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Dezember 2007Flat rolled steel exports down by 8.4% to 750,700 tons in NovemberExports of steel pipes down by 16.8% to 132,700 tons in NovemberExports of unfinished steel products down by 14.6% to 855,800
tons in November
28.12.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Iron ore exports down by 5.6% to 2 million tons in NovemberManganese ore not exported in NovemberManganese ore imports 11% down to 156,700 tons in NovemberTitanium concentrate exports down by 17.9% to 24,600 tons in
NovemberAlumina exports down by 10.5% to 116,000 tons in November
28.12.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Coke imports up by 37.6% to 195,000 tons in NovemberCoke exports down by 20.5% to 34,000 tons in November
27.12.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Pig iron exports down by 15.6% to 143,000 tons in November
Ukraine exported 143,340 tons of cast iron in November, which is 15.6%
down on October, the State Statistics Committee reported. The main buyer
was Italy, accounting for 58,730 tons or 41% of the total exports. Ukraine's
cast iron export grew by 70.5% or by 800,060 tons in January - November
2007 on the like 2006 period, to 1,934,760 tons.
27.12.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Exports of ferroalloys up by 0.8% to 97,700 tons in November
Ukraine exported 97,680 tons of ferroalloys in November, which is by
0.8% more month-over-month. January to November saw export growth by
2.6%, by 27,730 tons up to 117,060 tons, year-over-year.
27.12.2007 Source: Ukrainian News Agency

Economy Ministry to increase indicative export prises of silicomanganese
The Economy Ministry of Ukraine intends to increase the indicative export
prices of silicomanganese for Japan, South Korea and Taiwan for January
2008 by 10% or by USD 100 per ton, up to USD 1,100 per ton, Serhiy Kudriavtsev,
executive director of the Ukrainian Association of Ferroalloy Producers,
said. He added that the economy ministry also intends to increase the
January 2008 export indicative prices of silicomanganese for the countries
of the Commonwealth of Independent States from USD 1,050 per ton to
USD 1,110 per ton, and to divide the prices of ferrosilicon 65, having
set them at the rate of USD 950 per ton for Europe, and USD 830 per
ton for CIS member-countries. The December prices of ferrosilicon 65
were set at USD 750 per ton.
26.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukrainian machine-building developing in priority rates
According to the economy ministry, the production growth rates of Ukrainian
machine-building companies reached 28% in January - November, which
listed Ukraine, on a par with Germany, Japan, the US, France and South
Korea, among the world's front-runners in engineering industry development.
In all, products worth USD 7.2 billion were put out in 11 months, which
exceeds the showing of traditional leaders of industrial production
- oil processing and gas extraction industries. "Such an unprecedented
result actually means that the industry, which for a long time was running
on technological minimum, is now getting revived. We are at last stopping
to play just a raw export role for the European Union and Russia, and
are developing production of finished goods," says Valeriy Vorobiov,
director of the center for conversion and new technologies in machine-building.
26.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukraine ups gas price ceiling for industry 30%
Ukraine's government has raised the gas price ceiling for industrial
consumers by 30% for next year following a price increase for imported
gas likely to intensify pressure on local producers and fuel inflation.
The government said in a statement on its web site on Tuesday it had
allowed a rise in the ceiling to USD 185 per 1,000 cubic metres (tcm)
from USD 143 in 2007. The news follows an agreement signed with Russian
gas export monopoly Gazprom , under which Ukraine is to pay USD 179.50
per tcm from next year against USD 130 at the moment. Economists say
the increase will hit the competitiveness of Ukrainian producers, especially
the chemicals and steel sectors, and fuel inflation.
25.12.2007 Source: Reuters

Ukraine reduces scrap metal exports by 6% in January-November
Ukrainian ferrous scrap merchants exported 647,300 tonnes of scrap in
the first eleven months of 2007, 6.1% less than a year earlier. The
head of the Ukrainian Metal Scrap Association, Ivan Zaitsev said that
the country exported 29,800 tonnes of scrap metal in November. He said
most scrap is sold on the domestic market to Ukrainian steelmakers,
which plan to buy about 8 million tonnes of scrap in 2008.
21.12.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine ranks eight in world rating of steel producers
Ukraine remained the eighth largest of the world's 67 main steel producing
countries in November, and it increased steel production by 4% year-over-year
to 3.544 million tonnes. Along with Ukraine, the top ten steelmakers
in November 2007 were China (39.691 million tonnes, a 4.3% rise), Japan
(10.114 million tonnes, a 1.1% rise), the United States ((8.04 million
tonnes, a 8.5% decline), Russia (5.877 million tonnes, a 2.8% rise),
India (4.565 million tonnes, a 7.8% rise), South Korea (4.165 million
tonnes, a 0.8% rise), Germany (4.021 million tonnes, a 2.4% fall), Brazil
(2.872 million tonnes, a 6.2% rise) and Italy (2.815 million tonnes,
the level of November 2006). In November alone, Ukrainian producers
cut steel output by 83,000 tonnes compared to October 2007. A fall in
steel production compared to the previous month was registered in all
of the top ten countries.
21.12.2007 Source: International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI)

Ukraine to up export quota on metal supply to EU
Ukraine's export quota on supply of metal produce to the EU in 2008
will up to 1.35 M. tons. Ukraine reached an agreement with EU in June
on trade of some steel products, which envisages upped export quotas
by 31.4% from 1,004,500 tons to 1,320,000 tons. Ukraine expects the
EU to lift quotas on steel export after Ukraine's' accidence to the
WTO.
20.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Real GDP growth reported at 7.2% for first 11 months of 2007
Ukraine saw real GDP growth of 7.2% in January-November 2007 compared
to the same period of 2006. GDP grew 6.9% in November 2007 compared
to November 2006.
14.12.2007 Source: Ukrainian State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Ukraine to cancel all export duties in trade with EU after creating
free trade area with European Union
Ukrainian Economics Minister Anatoliy Kinakh insists that Ukraine must
not make concessions in talks with the European Unions in export duties
for the sake of soon accession to the WTO. Kinakh noted that Ukraine
has already aired its position to the EU about its readiness to cancel
export duties in the trade with the EU after creating a free trade area
between Ukraine and the EU. The minister said that to the date Ukraine
has met all obligations for accession to the WTO except of the regulation
of the issue with the EU for export duties. According to him, on December
17 and 20 the WTO council will sit into Ukraine's accession to the organization.
14.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Some Ukrainian steelmakers might post losses in Q1 of 2008
Some Ukrainian steel companies might operate at a loss in the first
quarter of 2008 due to higher energy prices, shortages of coke and an
increase in prices for iron ore commodities, the head of industry association
Metallurgprom, Vasyl Kharakhulakh said. Companies that are integrated
into larger groups will have fewer problems with higher prices, while
independent plants will be impacted, he said at a mining and metals
industry conference on Wednesday. Natural gas prices for steel plants
will be between USD 270 and USD 277 per 1,000 cubic meters. Production
costs for steel products will increase in 2008, Kharakhulakh said. Industrial
association Metallurgprom is one of the organizers of the Metal-Forum
of Ukraine.
14.12.2007 Source: Interfax

Price for Ukrainian metal to rebound by 30%
Ukraine will face new price hikes for metal. Ukraine's leading metal
producer "MetInvest" announced about intention to increase
price by 22 to 25%. And so, we will preserve 2007's marge of the enterprise,
Sales Director of the "MetInvest" Andriy Parkhomchuk said.
The Ilich Mariupol Metallurgic Plant and Industrial Union of DONBASS
also announced their intentions to reconsider prices toward upper points.
Experts predict prices to grow by 30%. We are hold the relevant calculations
now, "Mariupol Metallurgic Plant" CEO Volodymyr Boyko said.
"Metallurgprom" Director General Vasyl Kharakhulakh predicted
gas price for metallurgic plants at USD 270 to 277 per 1,000 cu m. Notably,
Ukraine and Russia agreed on the 179.5 USD per 1,000 cu. m in 2008.
14.12.2007 Source: Interfax

Yuschenko asks government to examine situation in country's aluminum
industry
Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko has sent a letter to Premier Viktor
Yanukovych with the request that a governmental commission examine the
situation in the country's aluminum industry. The president asked the
Cabinet of Ministers to take measures to make the work of OJSC Zaporizhia
aluminum mill profitable, so as not to stop its work, drawing particular
attention to the economic justification for the electricity tariffs
charged to this enterprise. Yuschenko also urged that the cabinet analyze
the implementation of the state program on developing and reforming
the mining and metallurgical sector until 2011, which was adopted by
the Cabinet of Ministers in 2004, with particular focus on the development
of the major kinds of production of non-ferrous metals.
14.12.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine ups production in steel pipes by 2.1%
Steel pipes production in November downed by 1.1%, numbering 2,250 tons
month-over-month down to 194,460 tons. January to November 2007 saw
production of steel pipes by 2.1% more year-over-year. In 2006 production
of steel pipes upped by 14.4% to 2,601,950 tons year-over-year.
14.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

EBRD presents program of enhancing efficiency of energy saving in
UkraineThe European Bank for Reconstruction and Development presented a
program of enhancing the efficiency of energy saving in Ukraine at a
conference in Dnipropetrovsk. The program envisages financing in general
in Ukraine to the tune of 100 million EUR. Two Ukrainian banks pose
as mediators in this process, which will credit enterprises for investing
energy saving and energy efficiency.
13.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Metal consumption in Ukraine up 36%
Metal consumption in Ukraine upped by 36% and totals 200 kg per person,
director of the state scientific and research institute Yevhen Kovalev
said. Income from metal export over the last 11 monthes upped by 34%
to USD 8 billion. According to Kovalev, 2007 metal production will exceed
the last year's one.
13.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Coke production ups by 5.9% in 11 months
Coke production in Ukraine in January to November ups by 5.9% and totaled
18,327,000 tons.
The Ukrkoks experts predict demands of metallurgists at over 19.5 million
tons on coke.
13.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Cut in coal extraction by Zasyadko mine would affect Ukrainian metallurgy,
says expert
A fall in coal extraction by the Zasyadko mine, which annually extracts
over 3.3 million tonnes of coking coal, or its complete shutdown, would
lead to an increase in coal shortages, which would affect Ukrainian
metallurgy, according to director of coal and coke division of Metinvset-Holding
Ltd., Volodymyr Husak.
"A cut in extraction or a shutdown of the Zasyadko mine would affect
the whole Ukrainian metallurgical sector and the country's economy.
The losses could be millions of dollars. I think that every one would
agree that lives of people are more important than financial figures.
The main thing is to save the lives of miners," he said. Zasyadko
mine supplied coking coal to all coking plants of Ukraine, including
Metinvset companies. The shutdown of this mine would not lead to the
shutdown of the group's coking companies, as Zasyadko mine is a large
but not the main supplier for Metinvest, its share in total coal consumption
is around 7-8%.
12.12.2007 Source: Interfax

EBRD to invest EUR 700-800 million in projects in Ukraine in 2008
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) intends
to invest EUR 700-800 million in projects in Ukraine in 2008. "We
were guided by the volume of investment we are to make this year - about
EUR 700 million. Well, it will be around it next year," Anton Usov,
the spokesman for the Kyiv office of the EBRD, said. As reported earlier,
late in September, the EBRD said it would invest up to USD 350 million
in the financial sector of Ukraine in 2008.
11.12.2007 Source: Ukrainian News

Arcelormittal announces price increases for long products in Q1'08
Strong demand and ongoing pressure from rising raw material and billet
prices have led to increasing rebar and wire rod prices in Asia and
Middle East. Due to continuing robust steel market fundamentals, ArcelorMittal
announces a further price increase of $ 30/ton for Long steel products
for all new orders as of Jan 1st 2008 out of Black Sea for Turkey, Mediterranean,
Middle East & North Africa (MENA) destinations. This price increase
comes as a result of ongoing strength in the macroeconomic environment
in MENA, CIS and emerging Asia regions. Demand for steel products remains
strong, with financial market jitters limited to mature Western markets.
Billet prices into the region have risen over the past few weeks on
strong demand and shifting Trade flows. The strength of the macroeconomic
environment in MENA is supported by continuing high oil prices. The
construction sector is particularly robust with a significant number
of projects under construction and 2008 growth expected at a high rate
similar to that of 2007.
Narendra Chaudhary, CEO of ArcelorMittal Krivy Riy, Ukraine, said: "The
strong demand is untypical for this time of the year but clearly indicates
that we are looking to a very healthy year 2008. We believe that trade
flows are on the way to change and Ukraine will benefit from this."
10.12.2207 Source: ArcelorMittal

Ukraine steps up ferroalloy output
Ukraine increased ferroalloy production during eleven months of 2007
by 8.9% up to 1.39 million tons versus the relevant period of 2006.
Ferroalloy output rose by 1.1% to 138,600 tons in November.
06.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukrainian entrepreneurs take Russian gas price hike in stride
Ukrainian enterprises have taken the increase in the price of Russian
gas to USD 179.5 per 1,000 cu. m. in their stride. Notably, Chairman
of the Management Board of the Mariupol-based Ilyich iron and Steel
Works Volodymyr Boiko believes that the new price will not significantly
affect the cost of the plant's produce. "The price of gas accounts
for three percent of the cost of metal. Moreover, it will not exceed
1.5 percent when most enterprises transit to the pulverized coal injection
technology next year," he said. Vice-president of the Association
of Chemical Enterprises Petro Burliayev stated that the enterprises
will not be affected by the price hike. "The producers will simply
raise their prices in Ukraine by 17-25 percent. As for export prices,
they have grown already - the world manufacturers of ammonia have hiked
their prices by 30 percent owing to the increase in prices of natural
gas this year," he said.
05.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukraine studying appropriateness of importing coal from Australia
Ukraine is studying whether it will be appropriate to import coal from
Australia. Acting Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych announced this at
a Cabinet of Ministers meeting. "Coal will most likely have to
be delivered from Australia because it has a more or less acceptable
price there," Yanukovych said. According to him, Ukraine presently
mines about 80 million tons of coal per year whereas at least 100 million
is presently needed to maintain the country's energy balance and meet
industrial requirements. He said that the nearest exporters of coal
to Ukraine are Russia and Poland. However, he stressed that Ukraine
should strengthen its own coal mining volume rather than dependency
on imports. Yanukovych also expressed the belief that it is inappropriate
to approve a decision on closure of coal mines and reduction of coal
mining.
05.12.2007 Source: Ukrainian News Agency

Ukraine ups pipe production
Ukraine has upped tube production as high as up to 2.44 million tons,
which is by 1.1% more. Main tube producers in Ukraine are the Nizhne-Dniprovskyi
Pipe Plant, Khartzyskyi Pipe Plant, Nikopolskyi Tube, Dnipropetrovsk
Tube Plant and "Yutist". The highest production output over
the last 11 months have been registered at the Nikopolskyi Tube Plant
at 169,600 tons.
05.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukraine must boost coal output
Ukraine needs to develop coal production and rebuild coalmines, Ukrainian
Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych said at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Ukraine needs to increase coal output to 100 million tonnes per year
from the current 80 million tonnes and thus should not reduce coal production
or close mines, he said. "The coal industry plays a very important
role in the Ukrainian economy. We cannot shut down mines altogether
- this would be a blow to the economy. On the contrary, we need to develop
coal production. The current level of 80 million tonnes is not enough
since we already need 100 million tonnes to ensure the country's energy
supplies, and output should be higher taking into account the growth
in production," he said.
05.12.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine ranked second in CIS for industrial growth
Ukraine is second in the CIS for industrial growth with 11% scored,
the CIS International Committee of Statistics told. Ukraine follows
Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, sharing the first place. The CIS industrial
production grew by 7% in January to October 2007 year-over-year.
04.12.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukraine uses almost 89% of EU rolled steel quota in 11 months
Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises received licenses in January-November
2007 to export 1,173,746 tons of licensable rolled steel to the EU,
which is 88.92% of the annual quota imposed by the EU. Ukraine signed
an agreement in June on trading in certain steel products with the EU,
according to which quotas on licensable Ukrainian steel exports to the
EU are raised by 31.4% in 2007, i. e., from 1,004,500 tons to 1,320,000
tons.
04.12.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine uses almost 14% of Russian rebar quota
Ukrainian steel mills in January through November 2007 obtained licenses
to ship 15,421 tonnes of rebar, or 13.77% of the annual quota for the
current year (112,000). As reported, the Ukrainian cabinet has approved
quotas on reinforced steel rebar shipments to Russia until December
31, 2010, according to an agreement on the regulation of rebar supplies
to Russia signed between the Ukrainian Economy Ministry and Russian
Economic Development and Trade Ministry.
04.12.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine uses 43.11% of quota for steel plate shipments to US over
11 months
Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises received licenses in the first eleven
months of the year to supply 61,257 tonnes of cut carbon steel plate
to the United States, or 43.11% of its annual quota. The quota for 2007
was increased to 142,111 tonnes from 138,106 tonnes for 2006.
04.12.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukrainian coke production grows 6% in January-November
Ukraine increased production of 6%-moisture metallurgical coke by 5.9%
year-on-year to 18.327 million tonnes in the first eleven months of
2007, including 1.69 million tonnes in October, according to preliminary
figures. Coke producers managed to increase output despite the shortage
of coking coal caused by growing demand, the head of industry association
Ukrkoks, Anatoliy Starovoit reported. However, due to accidents at the
Zasiadko mine, which produces 31% of Ukraine's Zh brand coking coal,
the shortage of coal for coke production has worsened, he said.
04.12.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine cuts coal extraction
Ukraine downed coal extraction by 5.4% in January to November 2007 to
69 million tons year-over-year, the Coal Industry Ministry's press service
reported. Coking coal extraction fell by 6.3%, to 26.13 million tonnes,
and energy coal extraction decreased by 4.8%, to 42.888 million tonnes.
Coal extraction was 5.847 million tonnes in November alone, which is
10.7% down year-on-year. Ukraine's enterprises cut coking coal extraction
by 5% in November, to 2.436 million tonnes, and energy coal extraction
by 13.8%, to 4.05 million tonnes.
04.12.2007 Source: Coal Industry Ministry of Ukraine

Metallurgist group asks president to prevent rail tariff increase
The Federation of Ukrainian Metallurgists has asked President Viktor
Yushchenko to prevent another increase in rail freight tariffs planned
by the Transportation Ministry and the state railroad administration
Ukrzaliznytsia. The ministry is pushing for a rail tariff increase for
selected types of freight effective Jan. 1, 2008. It is proposing to
equalize prices for shipments of iron ore, iron ore concentrate, coke,
mineral fertilizer and oil products in and out of the country and on
domestic routes. As a result, tariffs for rail shipments inside Ukraine
will increase by 83.5% for iron ore commodities and 22.7% for coke,
which would cost steel companies an additional UAH 841 million and UAH
134 million, respectively, in 2008. Additional expenditures on shipment
of pig iron and ferrous metal rolled products would total UAH 145 million
in 2008.
03.12.2007 Source: Ukrainian Journal

November 2007Ukrainian metallurgists to register their products in accordance
with European ecological norms
In line with the chemical industries of Ukraine metallurgists started
registration of their products meeting norms of the new European ecological
laws REACH. The reception of pre-registration applications from producers
on their products' correspondence to new norms will start on June 1,
2008 and will last though December 1, 2008.
30.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukrainian steel mills may attract USD 3.55 billion by listing their
shares at international stock markets
Ukrainian companies involved in ferrous metallurgy may attract up to
USD 3.55 bn by listing their shares (IPOs and private placements) on
the international stock markets in 2008-2009, analyst of the Troika
Dialog Ukraine company Roman Zakharov says. According to him, companies
of the fuel and energy sector and those of the consumer sector have
the second best chance of attracting foreign investments at the stock
markets with an estimated USD 750 million yield in 2008-2009. Ukrainian
real estate companies may attract as much as USD 350 million of investments
and commercial banks USD 150 million, the expert maintains. Machine
building enterprises stand to net USD 50 million as a result of IPOs
and private placements.
30.11.2007 Source: Troika Dialog Ukraine

Ukraine might face coke shortages in 2008
Ukrainian steel companies will import about 2 million tonnes of coke
this year, but in 2008 imports will decline due to growing global demand,
the head of industry association Ukrkoks, Anatoliy Starovoit said. "In
2008 we will not be able to import 2 million tonnes of coke," he
said, adding that Ukraine would also import about 7 - 9 million tonnes
of coking coal this year. Ukrkoks reckons the problem of coking coal
shortages could be resolved by diversifying imports and building ports
for large ships. Ukrkoks projects that, due to shortages of raw material,
annual coke production in Ukraine will not exceed 17.5 million tonnes
in 2008 and onward, while steelmakers will require more than 19.5 million
tonnes next year.
29.11.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine ready to cancel export fees after agreement on free trade area with
EU takes effect
Ukraine is ready to cancel export fees after an agreement on free trade
area with the EU takes effect, First Vice Prime Minister, Finances Minister
Mykola Azarov told journalists. As he stressed, there is no the same
understanding of the cancellation of export fees among WTO members.
"The EU stands on that position, but such influential member of
the WTO, as Argentina sticks to opposite stance," Azarov said.
The WTO Charter and other documents of the WTO don't require the cancellation
of fees. Azarov said the EU's demand about the cancellation of fees
were "an artificial obstacle on the way of Ukraine's accession
to the WTO." He expressed his hope that it will be the last obstacle.
The European Union posed with the last demand regarding Ukraine's accession
to the World Trade Organization, WTO official representatives announced
on November 27 in Geneva. With a view of becoming the 152nd member of
the WTO, Kyiv should meet the requirement of Brussels regarding the
revision of the regulation of export fee.
29.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Exports of steel pipes up by 6.8% in October
In October, Ukraine piled up a steel pipes export by 6.8% or by 10.22
thousand tons up from September to 159.47 thousand tons, the State Statistics
Committee informed. In January-October 2007, the steel pipes export
increased by 4.9% or by 81.64 thousand tons against January-October
2006 to 1,747.01 million tons.
29.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Yushchenko headed all-Ukrainian meeting on energy saving
President Victor Yushchenko headed all-Ukrainian meeting on energy saving
in mining and machine-building industries in Alchevsk. The President
recalled that energy efficiency level of Ukraine's economics is 2-4
times lower than in development countries. The situation threatens energy
security, reduces welfare of Ukraine's citizens and leads to low competitive
capacity of Ukraine's enterprises production on foreign markets. According
to the President, there are examples of energy efficiency approach.
The Industrial Union of Donbas and Mittal Steel Kryvy Rih demonstrate
such examples. They find opportunities and resources to invest in technical
and technological modernization of their enterprises, enhancing energy
efficiency and ecological safety of production.
27.11.2007 Source: President`s press-office / NRCU

Steel mills face coke shortage due to lack of coal
Dnipropetrovsk-based Ukrkoks (Ukrainian Coke) association has forecast
further shortages of coke for domestic steel mills due to the growing
deficit of coking coal extraction. According to the release, by-product-coking
plants over the past years have seen serious shortages of coking coal.
Extraction of Ukrainian coking coals is falling, and soon the tendency
will strengthen for several reasons, including the exhaustion of deposits
and an increase in work safety requirements. Simultaneously, a fall
in coking coal imports from Russia has been seen, where Ukrainian by-product-coking
industry traditionally bought extra coking coal. Coke producers are
not able to provide enough coke for steel makers' needs. The association
says the situation could be tackled with the diversification of coal
imports and the building of ports for large-capacity ships. The statement
to the effect was made by Director General Anatoliy Starovoyt of the
UkrKoks. The way-out is to increase and diversify the coking coal import,
"not instead of the Ukrainian coal, but in addition to it".
27.11.2007 Source: Ukrainian Journal

Coke exports up by 43.1% to 43,000 tons in October
Coke imports up by 19.7% to 142,000 tons In October
27.11.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Russia decides not to impose antidumping duty on high-carbon ferromanganese
from Ukraine
Economics Minister Anatoliy Kinakh has reported that based on the outcomes
of the antidumping investigation conducted by the Russian Ministry of
Economic Development and Trade, Russia will impose no anti-dumping duty
on Ukraine's ferromanganese imports. In the nine months of 2007, Ukraine's
trade turnover with the Russian Federation reached USD 24.1 bn, rising
by 31.4 percent over the same period last year. The exports of Ukrainian
goods and services reached USD 11.6 bn, rising 1.5 fold. The negative
trade balance was reduced by an unprecedented USD 1.5 bn. "On the
whole the trade turnover between Ukraine and Russia is expected to exceed
the USD 30-bn mark this year. This is the highest indicator in our trade
and economic relations in recent years," the Economics Minister
concluded.
27.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Iron export falls 6.7% in October
In October the export of iron decreased by 6.7% or by 12,100 tons versus
September up to 169,820 tons, the State Statistics Committee reported.
The main purchaser of Ukrainian iron in October was Italy, which imported
90,380 tons of iron or 53.2%. During January - October 2007 the export
of iron grew by 86.6% or by 831,480 tons versus January - October 2006
up to 1,791.43 million tons or by 524,860 million USD.
27.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises step up production by 9.9%
Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises during January - October 2007 increased
ready products manufacture by 9.9%, the State Statistics Committee reported.
In particular, the enterprises smelted 30.1 million tons of iron, 24.1
million tons of steel without semi-ready products and 12.1 million tons
of semi-manufactured products, 20.5 million tons of ready rolled metal
and 2.4 million tons of tubes and hallow profiled from ferrous metals.
26.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukraine still eighth biggest steelmaker in world in October
Ukraine remained the eighth largest of the world's 67 main steel producing
countries in October, and it increased steel production by 3.6% year-over-year
to 3.627 million tonnes. The rating is published by the International
Iron and Steel Institute (IISI). Along with Ukraine, the top ten steelmakers
in October 2007 were China (42.922 million tonnes), Japan (10.372 million
tonnes), the United States (8.51 million tonnes), Russia (6.188 million
tonnes), India (4.631 million tonnes), South Korea (4.304 million tonnes),
Germany (4.192 million tonnes), Italy (2.908 million tonnes) and Brazil
(2,899 million tonnes). In October alone, Ukrainian producers increased
steel output by 116,000 tonnes compared to September 2007. A rise in
steel production compared to the previous month was registered in all
of the top ten countries.
23.11.2007 Source: International Iron and Steel Institute

USA and EU cease anti-dumping investigations against Ukrainian silicomanganese
and flat products producers
Europe and the USA ceased anti-dumping investigations against Ukrainian
producers of silicomanganese and flat products, Ukrainian Economy Minister
Anatoliy Kinakh said. The EU's stopping anti-dumping investigation against
Ukraine will allow exporting 190-200 million USD worth products annually
to EU markets, he said. Still, he added, the government is still focused
to cease anti-dumping investigation against seven Ukrainian products
by EU countries, these are seam and seamless tubes, carbamide, wire
cable, etc. Talking about relationa with the EU, Mr Kinakh said the
share of Ukraine's trade with the EU grew up to 33.4% and 76% of all
directs foreign investments come from EU countries.
23.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukraine and USA agree on ceasing anti-dumping investigation of Ukrainian
cutting rolled metal
Ukraine has completed negotiations with the USA on ceasing the anti-dumping
investigation into Ukrainian cutting rolled-metal, Ukrainian Economics
Minister Anatoliy Kinakh said Friday. According to him, the stop of
investigation of the Ukrainian product will allow the country exporting
up to 150,000 tons of cutting rolled-metal to the USA by October 30,
2008 without anti-dumping sanctions.
23.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform
Ukraine's crude steel output expected to rise 4% to 42.7 million tonnes
in 2007
UkrRudProm an association uniting major metal producers reported that
Ukraine's output of crude steel is expected to increase 4% to 42.7 million
tonnes in 2007 up from 40.8 million tonnes in 2006. The association
said Ukraine also plans to boost pig iron production this year by 8%
to 35.57 million tonnes and to increase rolled metal output by 5% to
36.06 million tonnes.
22.11.2007 Source: Ukrainian Journal

China encourages its companies to invest into Kiev
The capital of Ukraine has been identified as a priority city for investments
by Chinese companies. This was announced during a roundtable involving
representatives of major transnational companies that took place in
Beijing. Kyiv Deputy Mayor Serhiy Rudyk received a certificate that
distinguishes the Ukrainian capital as one of the most suitable cities
for investment. The ceremony also hailed the best industrial areas and
the most competitive enterprises of China. The event was organized by
the parliament of China and the UN agencies in that country. As of November
16, the trade turnover between Ukraine and China totals 4 bn USD.
19.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukraine ups import of iron ore
The metallurgic enterprises of Ukraine in January to October 2007 up
import of iron ore by 74.2% year-over-year, according to the UkrRudProm.
Import of iron concentrate in January to October 2007 grew by 23.9%
to 1,180,000 tons, while import of sintering ore and pellet upped by
69% and by 700%, respectively. In October Ukraine imported 424,860 tons
of iron ore, which was 21.5% increase versus September.
16.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Production of ferroalloys downs in Ukraine
Production of ferroalloys has downed by 9.5% year-over-year to 3.24
M. tons over the latest 10 months of 2007, the Ukrainian Association
of Ferroalloys Producers said. According to Executive Director of the
Ukrainian Association of Ferroalloys Producers Serhiy Kudriavtsev, the
slash resulted from upped indicative prices for export of ferroalloys.
The Economy Ministry upped indicative prices by 100 USD last month,
Kudriavtsev noted.
13.11.2007 Source: Ukrinform

GDP 7.0% up in October
In October 2007, real GDP rose by 7.0%, compared to October 2006 to
UAH 68,680 million. In January-October 2007, the GDP grew by 7.3%, compared
to January-October 2006 to UAH 561,112 million. In September 2007, the
GDP increased by 6.2%, compared to September 2006 to UAH 72,982 million.
In 2006, the real gross domestic product rose by 7.1%, compared to 2005
to UAH 537,667 million. The Cabinet of Ministers forecasts GDP growth
of 6.5% in 2007. The Cabinet of Ministers endorsed major macroeconomic
indicators of Ukrainian development for 2008, including GDP growth of
7.2% and inflation of 6.8%.
13.11.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Ukraine's industrial output up 13.7% in October, 11% over 10 months
The pace of industrial output growth in Ukraine was 13.7% year-on-year
in October 2007, whereas in January through October it grew by 11%.
Production in the mining sector grew by 2.9% year-over-year, while a
7.3% rise was seen in the ore-mining sector and a 0.2% rise in oil and
gas production. Coal and peat production fell by 3.5%. A 12.7% rise
was seen in the processing industry in January through October 2007.
Coke output soared by 5.7%. In January through October 2007, a 9.9%
rise was seen in the metallurgical sector, which is 0.6% less than in
January through September 2007. Cast iron, steel and ferroalloy output
growth was 10.6%, and pipe production grew by 3.7%. Car building growth
was 27.4% over the ten months 2007.
10.11.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Ukrainian coke production grows 5.7% in January-October
Ukraine increased production of 6%-moisture metallurgical coke by 5.7%
year-on-year to 16.622 million tonnes in the first ten months of 2007,
including 1.761 million tonnes in October. Coke production has declined
in recent months due to shortages of coking coal, the head of industry
association Ukrkoks, Anatoliy Starovoit told. He said Ukraine would
import about 9 million tonnes of coking coal this year, about the same
as in 2006. At the same time, coke imports by steel companies have increased.
Coal and coke are imported primarily from Russia, Starovoit said.
07.11.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian pipe production up 3% in January-October
Ukraine increased production of ferrous metal pipes by 3% year-on-year
to 2.245 million tonnes in the first ten months of 2007, including 204,500
tonnes in October. Pipe makers have been working fairly steadily since
the beginning of the year, though growth has slowed in the second half
of the year. Ukrainian Metals Traders Association president Andriy Fedosiyiv
said earlier that pipe production was growing largely on the back of
the favorable situation on foreign markets.
05.11.2007 Source: Ukrtruboprom

Ukraine uses over 81% of EU rolled steel quota in 10 months
Ukrainian steel mills in January through October 2007 obtained licenses
to ship 1.074 million tonnes of rolled steel, or 81.34% of the country's
2007 quota of 1.320 million tonnes of rolled steel for the European
Union. The ministry said that since the beginning of the year, steel
mills received licenses to export 151,066 tonnes of SA1 category flat
roll in coils to the EU, or 79.51% of the quota for this commodity;
344,558 tonnes of SA2 uncoiled flat roll, or 88.35% of the quota; and
106,134 tonnes of SA3 flat roll, or 75.s81% of the quota. They were
licensed to export 49,593 tonnes of SB1 semi-manufactures and shapes
and sections, or 99.19% of the quota; 183,915 tonnes of SB2 commodities,
or 94.32% of the quota; and 238,359 tonnes of SB3 semi-finished and
wire rods, or 67.14% of the quota.
03.11.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine receives half of Russian cold-rolled steel quota
Ukrainian steelmakers have received licenses to export 100,000 tonnes
of cold-rolled steel products that are subject to licensing to Russia,
50% of the annual quota. Ukraine's Cabinet approved the amount of the
quota until June 30, 2010. The Economics Ministry and Russia's Economic
Development and Trade Ministry signed a three-year agreement to regulate
shipments of cold-rolled flat products from Ukraine to Russia in June.
The agreement went into effect on July 1, 2007. According to a Ukrainian
government resolution, the quota is 200,000 tonnes for this year (from
July 1); 205,000 tonnes from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009; and 210,000
tonnes from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. The Russian ministry launched
an anti-dumping investigation into imports of cold-rolled flat products
from Ukraine in July 2006 following complaints by Russian steel majors
Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works (MMK), Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK)
and Severstal. In July of this year, the ministry stopped the investigation
into the Ukrainian imports, primarily from the Ilyich Iron & Steel
Works of Mariupol and Zaporizhstal. The annual quota is 175,000 tonnes
for Zaporizhstal and 25,000 tonnes for Ilyich; the corresponding quarterly
quotas are 43,750 tonnes and 6,250 tonnes.
03.11.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine uses 43.11% of quota for steel plate shipments to US over
10 months
Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises received licenses in the first ten
months of the year to supply 61,257 tonnes of cut carbon steel plate
to the United States, or 43.11% of its annual quota. The quota for 2007
was increased to 142,111 tonnes from 138,106 tonnes for 2006.
03.11.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine reduces coal production 4.8% in January-October
Ukraine reduced coal production by 4.8% year-on-year to 62.501 million
tonnes in the first ten months of 2007. Production of coking coal fell
6.5% to 23.671 million tonnes, and output of steam coal dropped 3.7%
to 38.830 million tonnes. The country mined 6.329 million tonnes of
coal in October, 2.2% less year-on-year. Production of coking coal rose
1.3% to 2.455 million tones, while steam coal output fell 4.3% to 3.874
million tonnes. Ukrainian coalmines fulfilled 99% of the ministry's
coal production target for the ten months, including 113.6% for coking
coal and 91.8% for steam coal.
03.11.2007 Source: Coal Industry Ministry of Ukraine

World Bank improves 2007 GDP forecast for Ukraine to 6.7%
The World Bank expects that GDP growth in Ukraine in 2007 will be 6.7%,
while earlier the forecast was 6%. According to a World Bank report,
the index of consumer prices is expected to grow by 12.5% in 2007, though
the bank's previous forecast was 9.7%. According to the bank, in 2008,
2009 and 2010, Ukraine's GDP is expected to grow by 5.5%, 5% and 5%
respectively. Ukraine's real GDP growth was 7.1% in 2006, while in 2005
it was 2.7%. The government forecasts a GDP growth slowdown to 6.5%
in 2007, along with a fall in inflation from 11.6% to 7.5%.
02.11.2007 Source: Interfax

Oktober 200717 foreign companies interested in developing Volyn copper deposit
Seventeen foreign companies are interested in developing copper deposits
in Volyn, in particular, the Rafaliv copper deposit (situated in Volyn
and Rivne regions), which could yield an estimated 25.1-25.8 million
tonnes of copper. Preparing the deposit for industrial exploitation
will require investments of about USD 50 million. The source also reported
that the investor company for deposit exploration and development will
be chosen via tender, after it submits investment projects with banking
feasibility studies and approval. The Volyn copper district includes
four deposits with copper, gold, silver and platinum. Industrial development
of these deposits will permit to completely cover Ukraine's domestic
copper demand and also allocate some of the produce for export.
25.10.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine and USA agree on 150,00 tons of Ukrainian rolled metal supply
in 2008
Ukraine has agreed with the USA on the supply of 150,000 Ukrainian rolled
metal to the US market in 2008, Ukrainian Economics Minister said, by
way of commenting on his talks in the USA. According to Kinakh, the
parties decided to extend the agreement on suspending anti-dumping investigation
on some types of Ukrainian metal products by October 30, 2008. Ukrainian
metallurgists in January-September 2007 received licenses on the supply
of 61,740 tons of sheared carbon flat products, which is 43.44% of the
annual quota. In compliance with the agreement between the countries,
the quota for 2007 was increased from 138,106 tons to 144,111 tons.
24.10.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukrainian traders sell 45% more metals in January-September
Ukrainian metal traders increased sales by 45.1% year-on-year to 2.181
million tonnes in the first nine months of 2007, Ukrainian Metal Traders
Association president Andriy Fedoseyev said at a conference on the domestic
steel market held during the Metal Forum Ukraine on October 18-20. The
leading traders were the Metinvest group's Leman-Ukraine with 302,037
tonnes; Industrial Union of Donbas' (IUD) Ukrainian Mining and Metallurgical
Company with 221,483 tonnes; Zaporizhstal-related MD Group and Zaporizhmetallholding
with respectively 143,059 tonnes ad 57,980 tonnes; and independent traders
Komex with 135,518 tonnes, Vikant with 81,842 tonnes, Transagency with
63,184 tonnes and Kaskad with 47,797 tonnes. Fedoseyev said at a conference
that Ukraine was expected to nearly double imports of steel roll this
year, to 1.9 million tonnes. Consumption of steel products in the country
will reach 9.5 million tonnes as the market is "growing dynamically,"
he said. Imports of flat products jumped 150% year-on-year to 478,000
tonnes in the first nine months of 2007, and imports of long products
increased 18% to 266,000 tonnes, with the overall figure growing to
744,000 tonnes from 417,000 tonnes. The main suppliers of flat products
were Russian companies, with imports up 34% to 166,000 tonnes from Magnitogorsk
Iron & Steel Works; 26% to 126,000 tonnes from Novolipetsk Steel
(NLMK); and 10% to 46,000 tonnes from Severstal. In addition, Kazakhstan's
Mittal Steel Temirtau supplied 36,000 tonnes and other companies 104,000
tonnes, respectively 8% and 22% more. Ukrainian Association of Metal
Traders is one of the organizers of Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
24.10.2007 Source: Interfax

Russia might stop importing Ukrainian large-diameter pipes in 2008
Russia might stop buying large-diameter pipes from Ukraine's Khartsyzsk
Pipe Mill in 2008, the head of pipe industry association Ukrtruboprom,
Leonid Ksaverchuk said at a conference on the domestic metals market
held during the Metal Forum Ukraine on October 18-20. This is unconfirmed
information, he added. An official at Ukraine's Industrial Policy Ministry
told that exports of Khartsyzsk large-diameter pipes to Russia could
indeed fall considerably. The main buyer of Ukrainian large-diameter
pipes is gas giant Gazprom.
24.10.2007 Source: Interfax

Association of Rolled Metal Producers and Consumers starts working
in Ukraine
The Ukrainian Association of Rolled Metal Producers and Consumers (UARMPC)
started working in Ukraine, envoys of the Association told the Metal-Forum
of Ukraine-2007 Exhibition. Establishers of the UARMPC were the MetalurgProm
Production and Economic Enterprise (Dnipropetrovsk), ZaporizhStal JSC
(Zaporizhzhya) and Donix Scientific-Production Association (Donetsk).
The Headquarters of the enterprise is located in Dnipropetrovsk (East
Ukraine). "The new association's goals are to back and protect
rolled metal producers and consumers, meet requirements of enterprises
that use rolled metal in their production," President Pleksandr
Putnoki of the UARMPC said.
23.10.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Ukrainian steel plants to invest heavily in pulverized coal fuel
Ukrainian steel companies will build pulverized coal fuel facilities
with combined capacity of 7.5 million tonnes per year over the next
two to five years, the director of the state Coal Chemistry Research
Institute, Yevgeny Kovalev said on October 18. In the next few years
such facilities will be built for blast furnaces at Zaporizhstal, Alchevsk
Iron & Steel Works (AMK), Ilyich Metallurgical Works of Mariupol,
Enakievo Metallurgical Plant (EMZ) and Donetskstal, Kovalev said at
the Metal Forum Ukraine held in Kyiv on October 18-20. The planned capacity
of the pulverized coal facilities will be 2 million tonnes each at Zaporizhstal,
AMK and Ilyich, 1.2 million tonnes at EMZ and 0.3 million tonnes at
Donetskstal. Azovstal and Arcelor Mittal Kryvy Rih are also considering
building such facilities, Kovalev said. He said Ukraine annually consumes
about 17 million tonnes of coke, using 27 million-28 million tonnes
of coking coal for this purpose. The installation of the planned pulverized
coal fuel facilities is expected to annually save 6.4 million tonnes
of coke, or 8.32 million tonnes of coking coal.
23.10.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine plans to cut greenhouse gas emission by 20%
Ukraine means to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses by at least
20% by 2020, First Deputy Natural Environment Minister Sviatoslav Kurulenko
told at the conference "Current development problems in Ukrainian
mining and metallurgical industry". As he noted, Ukrainian metallurgical
producers are actively interested in the Kyoto Protocol. As of this
date, the Natural Environment Ministry has already issued 74 supporting
and 11 approval letters. The general cost of the projects, which are
presently being developed within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol
is some EUR 3.2bn.
22.10.2007 Source: Government portal

Ukraine exported 2.7% less flat steel products in January-September
Ukraine exported 6.641 million tonnes of flat steel products in the
first nine months of 2007, 2.7% less than a year earlier, the deputy
head of marketing at the Illich Metallurgical Works of Mariupol, Serhiy
Kovalenko said. Exports of hot-rolled coil fell 4.1% to 2.405 million
tonnes and exports of hot-rolled thin sheet dropped 10.3% to 155,000
tonnes, while exports of medium-thickness sheet and plate edged up 0.1%
to 3.087 million tonnes, Kovalenko said at a conference on the domestic
steel market held during the Metal Forum Ukraine on October 18-20. Exports
of cold-rolled coil declined 2.2% to 353,000 tonnes and exports of sheet
dropped 13% to 406,000 tonnes. Kovalenko said Ukraine exported 2.974
million tonnes of flat products to the Middle East in the nine months,
6.5% more year-on-year. Ilyich Iron and Steel Works of Mariupol is partner
of the Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
22.10.2007 Source: Interfax

Metallurgical enterprises to up volumes of cast iron export
Metallurgical enterprises of Ukraine will soon increase the volume of
cast iron export, as well as import, chief of division of the Ukrainian
National Research and Information Center for Monitoring of Commodity
Markets (DerzhZovnishInform) Oleksandr Sheyko said at the Metal-Forum
Ukraine 2007 in Kyiv. According to Sheyko, in 2007 Ukraine exports some
2.1 million tons of cast iron, in 2008 it will export 3 million tons,
in 2009 4 million tons. In 2007 Ukraine is expected to import 135,000
tons, in 2008 160,000 tons and in 2009 at least 200,000 tons. In 2007,
in the expert's opinion, Ukraine will produce some 35.4 million tons
of cast iron, in 2008 24.8 million tons and in 2009 46.3 million tons.
20.10.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Steel consumption in Ukraine expected to jump 25-30% in 2007
Consumption of steel products in Ukraine could jump 25-30% this year,
to 9.5 million-10 million tonnes, according to a forecast cited by the
Derzhzovnishinform information center in a press release for the Metal
Forum Ukraine 2007 being held on October 18-20. Demand for steel products
in key sectors such as engineering, metalwork and construction is expected
to grow 40-50% in 2007. There is also expected to be an increase in
imports of steel products. Imports of rolled products jumped 37.7% in
the first eight months of 2007. Ukraine imported 765,000 tonnes of flat
products in the eight months, shipping in 90,000-110,000 tonnes per
month, compared to 60,000 tonnes per month in 2006. The growth is being
driven by a three-fold increase, to 325,000 tonnes, in imports of hot-rolled
products for pipe and railcar manufacturers.
19.10.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine sees higher steel output, stable exportDeputy Industrial Policy Minister Dmytro Kolesnikov told the international
Metal Forum of Ukraine 2007 in Kiev that more investment in steel was
the main reason for the higher output. He said mills were likely to
invest about USD 6.3 billion in modernisation in 2007, compared with
about USD 5 billion in 2006.
PDF Download18.10.2007 Source: Reuters

Hard times will come soon for Ukrainian iron and steel producers
The industry coordinators claimed that the domestic steelmakers enter
a rather difficult period. The reason for such claims became the deficit
of coke that emerged this summer, which already in September forced
the companies to cut the average daily output of cast iron by 500 thousand
tonnes as against this August.
PDF Download
15.10.2007 Source: UFC Capital

Ukrainian steelmakers might boost output 8% in 2008
Ukrainian steelmakers might increase pig iron production by 9% to 38.897
million tonnes in 2008, and raise crude steel output 8% to 46 million
tonnes, the Head of Industry Association Metallurgprom, Vasyl Kharakhulakh
said. The forecasts are based on the tentative plans of steel plants,
which could be revised due to potential shortages of resources, such
as coke, of which there has been a severe shortage in recent months.
As a result of the coke shortage, pig iron production was 5.5% below
targets in September, he said. Most affected by the shortage were the
Illyich Metallurgical Works of Mariupol, ArcelorMittal Kryviy Rih and
the Dzerzhynsk Iron & Steel Works (DMK). There will be coke shortages
next year as well, he predicted. Industrial Association Metallurgprom
is one of the organizers of the Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
11.10.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian iron ore imports jump 66% in 9 months
Ukrainian steelmakers increased imports of iron ore commodities by 66%
year-on-year to 2.416 million tonnes in January-September. Concentrate
imports rose 11% to 1.006 million tonnes and sinter - 65% to 820,800
tonnes. Ukraine also imported 589,900 tonnes of sinter, compared with
54,100 tonnes in the same period of last year. In September, Ukraine
imported 411,900 tonnes of iron ore commodities, including 163,600 tonnes
of concentrate, 158,200 tonnes of sinter and 91,100 tonnes of pellets.
Growth in imports was noticeable despite the fact that Ukrainian mines
have stockpiled ore. The deputy chairman of mining association Ukrrudprom,
Yuriy Putrya said the additional amount of iron ore commodities needed
to support steelmakers' plans to boost pig iron production (4.5 million-5
million tonnes) is quite large and should be factored into plans ahead
of time. He said mining companies are now filling or actively entering
into contracts to export iron ore commodities and they are unlikely
to redirect exports to the domestic market.
11.10.2007 Source: Ukrrudprom

Ukraine reduces iron ore exports 2% in 9 months
Ukraine reduced iron ore exports tentatively 2% year-on-year in January-September
to 14.715 million tonnes. Iron ore concentrate exports fell 4% to 2.898
million tonnes, while pellet exports went down 6.8% to 5.102 million
tonnes. Sintering ore exports went up, by 3% to 6.715 million tonnes.
Ukraine exported 1.961 million tonnes of iron ore in September, including
459,000 tonnes of concentrate, 672,000 tonnes of sintering ore and 830,000
tonnes of pellets. The Poltava GOK mining company was the largest exporter
of pellets.
11.10.2007 Source: Ukrrudprom

US proposes to extend steel quota agreement with Ukraine
The U.S. Commerce Department has proposed to extend an intergovernmental
agreement regulating Ukrainian exports of cut-to-length carbon steel
plates for another year, until October 31, 2008, and to increase the
annual quota to 150,000 tonnes from the current 142,000 tonnes. First
Deputy Industrial Policy Minister Dmytro Kolesnykov said earlier that
his Ministry and the Economics Ministry plan to propose that to lift
quotas on exports of cut-to-length carbon steel plates to the United
States and replace them with Ukrainian suppliers' obligations to set
prices for their products that will not be lower than a certain minimum.
Exporters of such plate to the United States include the Metinvest group's
Azovstal, and the Ilyich Metallurgical Works of Mariupol. Ukrainian
steelmakers received licenses to ship 61,740 tonnes of cut-to-length
carbon steel plates to the United States in the first nine months of
2007, which amounts to 43.44% of the annual quota.
11.10.2007 Source: Ministry of Industrial Policy of Ukraine

Industrial production up almost 11% in Ukraine since January
Industrial production soared 8.4% in Ukraine in September 2007, year-on-year,
and 10.7% from January to September. Growth slightly slowed in September,
compared with August (7.9%), which resulted in a slowdown in the first
nine months. The slowdown was due to a decrease in growth in the metallurgical
sector from 11.3% between January and August to 10.5% from January to
September; in the wood-working industry from 25.4% to 24%, in construction
and glass production from 20.1% down to 19.1%, and in the chemicals
and petrochemical sectors from 5.4% down to 4.3%. Industrial production
growth reached 6.2% in 2006, compared with 3.1% in 2005.
10.10.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

World Bank investment in Ukraine may reach USD 1 billion annually
in 2008 - 2011
The board of directors of the World Bank could approve a partnership
strategy for the World Bank and Ukraine for 2008 - 2011 envisions investment
of up to USD 1 billion annually in 2008 - 2011, senior economist at
the World Bank office in Ukraine Martin Raiser said at a press conference
in Kiev. Loans will make up $300 million - $400 million of annual investment
and the rest will be provided as investment credits. The World Bank
board of directors will confirm the strategy by year's end.
10.10.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian coke production grows 5% in January-September
Ukraine increased production of 6%-moisture metallurgical coke by 5%
year-on-year to 14.845 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2007.
Coke production has declined in recent months due to shortages of coking
coal. "The situation with coal supplies remains unsatisfactory.
Both shipments of Ukrainian coking coal to coking plants and imports
from Russia have decreased," the head of industry association Ukrkoks,
Anatoliy Starovoit said. Ukrainian coke-chemical plants ship about 50,000
tonnes of metallurgical coke per day. Steel plants do not have enough
coke due to the improved situation on the steel market, which is stimulating
growth in production of steel products and, consequently, demand for
coke, he said.
06.10.2007 Source: Interfax

Coal extraction down 5% in Ukraine in January-September
Ukraine's enterprises cut coal extraction by 5% in January through September
year-on-year, to UAH 56.129 million tonnes. Coal extraction was 5.847
million tonnes in September 2007, which is 5.3% down year-on-year. As
reported, coal minister Serhiy Tulub forecasted that coal extraction
in Ukraine in 2007 will not exceed the last year result of 80 million
tonnes.
05.10.2007 Source: Coal Industry Ministry

Ukraine uses 75% of EU rolled steel quota in 9 months
Ukrainian steel mills in January through August obtained licenses to
ship 992,644 tonnes of rolled steel, or 75.2% of the country's 2007
quota of 1.320 million tonnes of rolled steel for the European Union.
Since the beginning of the year, steel mills received licenses to export
148,676 tonnes of SA1 category flat roll in coils to the EU, or 78.25%
of the quota for this commodity; 314,695 tonnes of SA2 uncoiled flat
roll, or 80.69% of the quota; and 97,411 tonnes of SA3 flat roll, or
69.58% of the quota. They were licensed to export 43,286 tonnes of SB1
semi-manufactures and shapes and sections, or 86.57% of the quota; 165,715
tonnes of SB2 commodities, or 84.98% of the quota; and 222,861 tonnes
of SB3 semi-finished and wire rods, or 62.78% of the quota.
04.10.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine uses 47% of Russia's cold-rolled steel quota
Ukrainian steel mills as of October 1 obtained licenses to ship 93,997
tonnes of cold-rolled steel, or 47% of the country's annual quota (from
July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) of 200,000 tonnes of cold-rolled steel
for Russia. As reported, the Ukrainian cabinet has approved the size
of quotas on the supply of Ukrainian cold-rolled steel to Russia by
June 30, 2010, according to a three-year agreement on the regulation
of cold-rolled steel supplies to Russia signed in June by the Russian
Economic Development and Trade Ministry and the Ukrainian Economy Ministry.
04.10.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine uses 43.44% of quota for steel plate shipments to US
Ukrainian metallurgical enterprises received licenses in the first nine
months of the year to supply 61,740 tonnes of cut carbon steel plate
to the United States, or 43.44% of its annual quota. The quota for 2007
was increased to 142,111 tonnes from 138,106 tonnes for 2006. As First
Deputy Industrial Policy Ministry Dmytro Kolesnykov previously said,
the Industrial Policy Ministry jointly with the Economy Ministry are
planning to suggest that the United States cancel quotas for the supply
of cut-to-length carbon steel plate and replace them with a deal with
Ukrainian producers to supply rolled steel at the minimum prices to
the U.S. market.
04.10.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine increased pipe production 5% in 9 months
Ukrainian pipe mills increased production of metal pipe by 5.1% in the
first nine months of the year to 2.035 million tonnes. Production in
September totaled 204,100 tonnes of pipe. Production growth slowed in
recent months as equipment at several enterprises was under repair.
President of the Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders Andriy Fedoseyev
said the pipe market in Ukraine is relatively stable in terms of prices
and sales. Metal traders in Ukraine work mainly with domestic producers
and import small amounts from Russia and small shipments from other
countries. Fedoseyev said pipe production was growing mainly due to
favorable trends on foreign markets. Most of the pipe is sold in Ukraine
through metal trading companies, which account for about 80% of sales.
Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders is one of the organizers of the
Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
04.10.2007 Source: Ukrtruboprom, Ukrainian Pipe Industry Association

Ukraine's steel traders sell 1.384million tonnes of metal products
in 8 months
In January-August 2007, Ukraine's steel-trading companies either purchased
at domestic metallurgical enterprises, or imported and sold 1.384 million
tonnes of rolled metal according to operational data, which is 67.9%
more compared to the same period in 2006. President of the Ukrainian
Association of Metal Traders Andriy Fedoseyev told that steel traders
imported 116,987 tonnes of rolled metal over the eight months in 2007,
which is 5.4% more compared to the same period in 2006. In August steel-trading
companies purchased 210,718 tonnes of rolled metal, including 19,211
tonnes of imported rolled metal and 191,507 of rolled metal purchased
at Ukrainian enterprises. Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders is
one of the organizers of the Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
02.10.2007 Source: Interfax

September 2007Ukraine approves quotas on rebar supplies to Russia
The Ukrainian cabinet has approved quotas on reinforced steel rebar
shipments to Russia until December 31, 2010, according to an agreement
on the regulation of rebar supplies to Russia signed between the Ukrainian
Economy Ministry and Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry.
According to a cabinet resolution of September 19, 2007, the 2007 quota
is 112,000 tonnes, the 2008 quota is 330,000 tonnes, including 49,500
tonnes for Q1 and Q2 each, and 115,500 tonnes for Q3 and Q4 each; the
2009 quota is 363,000 tonnes, including 54,450 tonnes for Q1 and Q2
each, and 127,050 tonnes for Q3 and Q4 each; and the 2010 quota is 400,000
tonnes, including 60,000 tonnes for Q1 and Q2 each, and 140,000 tonnes
for Q3 and Q4 each.
25.09.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian Ministry reduces coal output forecast again
Ukraine's Coal Industry Ministry reduced the national coal production
forecast for 2007 again, and now expects that output will not exceed
last year's 80 million tonnes. "We are now aiming to achieve last
year's level. Unfortunately, the mining program that was previously
prepared will not be fulfilled for a number of reasons," Coal Minister
Serhiy Tulub said. The Ministry had initially targeted coal production
to increase to 82 million tonnes in 2007, but in the middle of the year
it reduced this forecast to 81.5 million tonnes. Ukraine mined 50.222
million tonnes of raw coal in the first eight months of 2007, 5.1% less
than in the same period of 2006. Production of coking coal dropped 8.2%
to 18.882 million tonnes, and output of steam coal fell 3.1% to 31.339
million tonnes.
25.09.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine to reduce natural gas consumption to 60 bcm in 3-4 years
Ukraine's Fuel and Energy Ministry has drawn up a program to reduce
consumption of natural gas to 60 billion cubic meters a year in the
next three or four years, the Ministry press center reported, citing
Ministry head Yuriy Boiko. This year Ukraine will reduce natural gas
consumption 9.3% to 68 billion cubic meters, from 75 billion cubic meters
in 2006. Imports of liquefied gas will rise to 10 bcm a year under the
program.
25.09.2007 Source: Interfax

Steel consumption per capita may grow 1.5 times in Ukraine by 2015
Per capita steel consumption in Ukraine may grow to 402 kilograms by
2015, compared to 274 kilograms in 2006, which is similar to consumption
levels in the majority of the world's developed countries, director
of Ukrpromzivnishekspertyza state enterprise Volodymyr Vlasiuk reported
during a meeting on Ukraine's mining complex performance in H1 2007.
According to a ministry press release, Vlasiuk believes that main risks
for Ukraine on the foreign miming produce markets are trade challenges
from China, and strong competition with producers from Russia, Turkey
and India on such markets as the Middle East, Europe and the CIS.
22.09.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine ranks eighth in world rating of steel producers
Ukraine produced 3.62 million tonnes of steel last month, inching up
2.3% from August last year, and ranked eighth in the rating of world's
67 main raw steel producing countries. The top-ten last month includes,
apart from Ukraine, China, accounting for 38.47%of the global total
(41.583 million tonnes), Japan (a 3.7% rise, 9.966 million tonnes),
the United States (a 0.5% rise, 8.5 million tonnes), Russia (a 2.3%
fall, 5.833 million tonnes), South Korea (a 2.9% rise, 4.125 million
tonnes), Germany (a 2.5% rise, 3.968 million tonnes), India (a 5.5%
rise, 3.85 million tonnes), Brazil (a 4.5% rise, 2.94 million tonnes),
and Italy (a 11% fall, 1.613 million tonnes). Ukrainian steel producers
increased steel output by 138,000 in August compared to July.
20.09.2007 Source: International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI)

In 2007 EBRD means to invest 800 million EUR to Ukraine
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development means to invest
800 million EUR to Ukraine, EBRD President Jean Lemierre told a meeting
with Ukrainian First Vice Prime Minister Mykola Azarov Monday. The parties
discussed topical and promising issues of cooperation between Ukraine
and the EBRD. "We are impressed with economic results of Ukraine.
They speak about good perspectives for new interesting projects, particularly,
in the energy sphere. In 2007 the EBRD will invest some 800 million
EUR to Ukraine. At the same time we see impetuous growing interests
of investors toward Ukraine. They are pleased with their work in Ukraine
and we will consider projects of venture capital in Ukraine," Mr
Lemierre said. The EBRD chairman also said EBRD shareholders are ready
to hold an annual meeting in 2008 in Kiev.
17.09.2007 Source: Ukrinform

Industrial output grows by 8.7% in Ukraine in August, by 10.9% in
January-August
Industrial output grew by 8.7% in Ukraine in August in comparison with
August 2006, and by 10.9% in the January-August period. Industrial output
grew by 6.2% in 2006.
14.09.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of holding project contests
of metallurgy production updating
Prime Minister of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych called upon to hold project
contests of metallurgy production updating with the following financing
the best of them. The Head of Government disclosed this at the meeting
with administrative-economic representatives of the Dnipropetrovsk region.
"I would like that we consider all investment metallurgy projects
and hold a contest of the best projects on updating the blast furnace,
converter shop, rolling mill, in other words, modernization of every
processing stage. It also concerns energy saving technologies,"
Viktor Yanukovych said. During the meeting the Prime Minister has commissioned
to consider immediately an issue on providing the Novomoskovsk pipe
plant with energy in connection with implementation of the investment
project on arc-furnace complex building.
07.09.2007 Source: Government portal http://www.kmu.gov.ua

Creation of Titan Ukrainy would allow state to control up to 25%
world's titan-magnesium ore deposits
The creation of the national joint-stock company Titan Ukrainy, in which
the state would control a 50% +1 stake, would allow controlling up to
25% of the world's titan-magnesium ore deposits, acting board chairman
of the OJSC Sumykhimprom, Yevhen Lapin, said in an interview with the
Ekonomicheskiye Izvestiya newspaper. He said that Titan Ukrainy could
unite Sumykhimprom, Crimean Titan, Zaporizhia Titan-Magnesium Ore Mill,
Vilnohirsk and Irshansk Ore Mining and Processing Mills and small companies
of the sector. Lapin said that the creation of Titan Ukrainy would stir
up after the elections, and he voiced confidence that investors would
be involved.
06.09.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine ups pipe output 7.8% in 8 months
Ukraine increased production of ferrous metal pipes by 7.8% year-on-year
to 1.832 million tonnes in the first eight months of 2007, including
217,900 tonnes in August. Ukrainian Metal Traders' Association president
Andriy Fedoseyev said the country's pipe market is relatively stable
at the moment in terms of both prices and sales volume. Prices for pipe
products in Ukraine did not change in August, and there are likely to
remain unchanged in September as well, though there might be a slight
increase, he said. Ukrainian metal traders work largest with domestic
pipe producers, importing only small amounts from Russia and other countries.
Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders is one of the organizers of the
Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
06.09.2007 Source: Ukrtruboprom

Ukrainian coke production grows 4.6% in 8 months
Ukraine increased production of metallurgical coke by 4.6% year-on-year
to 13.198 million tonnes in the first eight months of 2007, including
1.616 million tonnes in August. But coke production has started to slow
because not enough coking coal is available, the head of Ukrainian Coke
Industry Association Ukrkoks, Anatoliy Starovoit told. Starovoit said
Ukraine was not mining enough coking coal. The situation with imports,
particularly from Russia, is hard to gauge. Ukraine increased production
of 6%-moisture metallurgical coke by 0.3% to 18.914 million tonnes in
2006.
06.09.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine reduces coal production 5.1% in 8 months
Ukraine reduced coal production 5.1% year-on-year in January-August
2007 to 50.223 million tonnes.
Coking coal production fell 8.2% to 18.882 million tonnes and steam
coal fell 3.1% to 31.339 million tonnes. Ukraine raised coal production
2.8% in 2006 to 80.257 million tonnes. Coking coal production fell 8.2%
to 30.145 million tonnes while steam coal output rose 10.9% to 50.112
million tonnes.
06.09.2007 Source: Coal Ministry of Ukraine

Ukraine uses 67% of EU rolled steel quota in 8 months
Ukrainian steel mills in January through August obtained licenses to
ship 896,923 tonnes of rolled steel, or 67% of the country's 2007 quota
of 1.320 million tonnes of rolled steel for the European Union. The
Ministry said that since the beginning of the year, steel mills received
licenses to export 130,811 tonnes of SA1 category flat roll in coils
to the EU, or 68.8% of the quota for this commodity; 310,195 tonnes
of SA2 uncoiled flat roll, or 79.5% of the quota; and 83,520 tonnes
of SA3 flat roll, or 59.7% of the quota. They were licensed to export
34,017 tonnes of SB1 semi-manufactures and shapes and sections, or 68%
of the quota; 139,120 tonnes of SB2 commodities, or 71% of the quota;
and 199,258 tonnes of SB3 semi-finished and wire rods, or 56.1% of the
quota.
05.09.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine uses 41.2% of annual quota for steel plate supplies to US
in 8 months
Ukrainian steel companies received licenses to supply 58,573 tonnes
of cut-to-length carbon steel plate to the United States in January
through August 2007, which was 41.2% of this year's annual quota of
142,111 tonnes. Under an agreement between Ukraine and the United States,
the quota for 2007 was raised from 138,106 to 142,111 tonnes.
05.09.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine to probe oil well piping imports
Ukraine's International Trade Commission has opened a special probe
into imports of seamless casing pipe and oil well tubing with diameter
up to 406.4 mm. The commission said in a statement that the probe was
launched following a complaint by the Interpipe corporation's Nyzhniodniprovsky
and Niko Tube pipe mills, which claim Ukraine imported 130% more of
the pipes last year than in 2003.
03.09.2007 Source: Interfax

August 2007Ukraine plans to get USD 2.5 - 3 billion from international financial
institutions annually
Ukraine plans over the next five years to borrow USD 2.5 billion - USD
3 billion from international financial institutions annually. Several
projects with international financial institutions are in the planning
stations, including 16 projects involving the country's biggest creditors
- the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and European
Bank for Reconstruction and Development for USD 2.2 billion. Ukraine
has received USD 4.41 billion from the International Monetary Fund,
USD 4.5 billion from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development,
and USD 667 million from the International Finance Corporation since
it began working with these organizations.
27.08.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Destabilization of coke sector due to Ukrzaliznytsia plans to cut
imported coal shipments
Dnipropetrovsk-based Ukrkoks, the association of coking companies, has
warned of a possible worsening in the situation with coke supplies to
Ukrainian steel mills due to plans of the state railway administration
Ukrzaliznytsia to cut imported coking coal shipments in September, Ukrkoks
Director General Anatoliy Starovoit said on August 23. He said that
Ukrzaliznytsia has not approved a shipment schedule for September. He
said that OAO Russian Railways has also cut coking coal shipments to
Ukraine due to a shortage of railway cargo cars for domestic shipments.
"Today, there is a difficult situation at plants due to the lack
of coal," he said.
24.08.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine starts anti-dumping probe into Chinese steel ropes
Ukraine's International Trade Commission August 17 started an anti-dumping
investigation into steel ropes and cable imported from China. The commission
launched the probe following complaints by Ukrainian producers OJSC
Stalkanat and OJSC Silur. Ukraine wrapped an anti-dumping investigation
against Russian steel ropes and cable at the end of July up without
taking further action. "Anti-dumping measures would be against
national interests," according to a commission statement at the
time. The Ukrainian companies blasted that decision, but claim that
the imports from China are doing even more damage to them than the imports
from Russia. The Ukrainian Economics Ministry will register the interested
parties within 30 days and consider their written comments within 60
days.
23.08.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine produces 3.59 million tonnes of steel in July, 8th biggest
producer in world
Ukraine in July cut steel output by 1% year-on-year, to 3.59 million
tonnes, making it 8th in the rating of the 67 key world steel producers
drawn up by the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI). Last
month's top-ten included China (41.252 million tonnes, a 14.5% rise),
Japan (10.009 million tonnes, a 1.5% rise), the United States (8.4 million
tonnes, a 0.7% rise), Russia (6.21 million tonnes, a 5.2% rise), South
Korea (4.14 million tonnes, a 2.7% rise), Germany (3.997 million tonnes,
a 0.1% fall), India (3.85 million tonnes, a 7.2% fall), Brazil (2.869
million tonnes, a 5.3% rise), and Italy (2.65 million tonnes, a 0.1%
rise). Ukrainian steel mills in July 2007 increased steel output by
115,000 tonnes compared to June.
22.08.2007 Source: International Iron and Steel Institute

Russia and Ukraine to sign deal on rebar deliveries
Russia and Ukraine are set to sign an agreement to settle a dispute
over steel reinforcement bar shipments. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail
Fradkov has instructed the Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry
to sign the agreement with the Ukrainian Economics Ministry regarding
the bars, which are used to make reinforced concrete. A source at the
Russian ministry told Interfax that the agreement, which would be back-dated
to August 14, 2007, would limit Ukrainian rebar shipments to Russia
to 112,000 tonnes between August 14, 2007 and December 31, 2007, inclusive,
and to 330,000 tonnes in 2008, 363,000 tonnes in 2009 and 400,000 tonnes
in 2010.
20.08.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine seeks investors to develop brown coal deposits
Ukraine's Coal Industry Ministry plans to attract investors to develop
deposits in the Dnepr brown coal basin. The project calls for developing
the two most promising deposits in the basin: Aleksandriyiske, with
brown coal reserves of 485 million tonnes, including 63 million tonnes
for open-pit mining at existing mines; and Verkhnedniprovske, with reserves
of 236 million tonnes for open-cast mining at explored sections. The
Ministry reckons the deposits have potential to produce 5 million-6
million tonnes of coal per year by open-pit mining. The deposits are
targeted to come on stream within two years. The ministry is also proposing
a project to build thermal power plants at the Verkhnedniprovske deposit
with capacity of 600 to 800 MW. The strategic goal is to produce electricity
from local brown coal using the latest European technologies.
15.08.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine not to impose antidumping sanctions against Russian cable
Ukraine's International Trade Commission has closed an antidumping investigation
against imports of Russian steel wire rope and cable without coating,
including cable in closed coils, and has decided against imposing anti-dumping
sanctions. "Anti-dumping measures would be against national interests,"
according to a commission announcement published in the newspaper Uryadovy
Kuryer. The commission launched the antidumping investigation against
Russian cable and steel rope on January 31, 2006 following complaints
filed by the companies Stalkanat and Silur. In July 2006, the commission
decided to impose preliminary antidumping duties of 32.63% on imports
of these products from Russia.
13.08.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine puts off talks on increasing metalware quota with EU for
September
Ukraine's Economy Ministry plans to hold consultations with representatives
of the European Commission in September 2007 on an increase in this
year's metalware quota by 855,340 tonnes. The September consultations
are expected to be held in Brussels. As was reported earlier, European
consumers have shown a desire to increase Ukrainian quotas for steel
products supplies to the European Union.
13.08.2007 Source: Interfax

Industrial output in Ukraine in July up 7.8%, in 7 months 11.2%
The pace of industrial output growth in Ukraine slowed to 7.8% year-on-year
in July 2007, whereas in June it grew by 10.4% and in May by 9.9%. Such
a pace of growth made industrial production growth in the first seven
months slow to 11.2%. The State Statistics Committee said that in July
machinery and equipment output grew by 12.9%, mineral production output
grew by 11.2%, pulp and newsprint output grew by 9.3%, leather output
grew by 8.2%, electricity, gas and water distribution grew by 4.7%,
mining and metallurgic production grew by 3.6% and 3.2% respectively.
11.08.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Ukrainian metal exports total USD 7.9 billion in January-July
Ukraine exported metal products worth USD 7.9 billion in the first seven
months of 2007. Serhiy Syrotiuk, Head of the Metal Industry Department
of Ukraine's Industrial Policy Ministry, told that 24% of the exports
went to European Union countries, 25.7% to the Middle East and Asia,
and 14% to Turkey.
Ukraine's production of key types of metal goods for the first seven
months of 2007 was between 6% and 10% up on the same period last year.
Production of rolled and unrolled steel increased 6% year-on-year
to 20.92 million and 24.81 million tonnes respectively, and that of
pig iron grew 10% to 20.65 million tonnes. Pipe production rose
10% to 1.6 million tonnes, and that of other metal goods went up 8%
to 266,000 tonnes.
09.08.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraininan GDP growth around 8% over 7 months
GDP growth in January through June was around 8%, First Vice-Premier
and Finance Minister Mykola Azarov said during a meeting with Bavarian
Prime Minister Edmund Stoiber on Wednesday. He said that the Ukrainian
economy is actively developing, investment is growing, and wages and
pensions are increased in the light o the economic growth. As reported,
the Ukrainian government approved macroeconomic forecasts for 2007,
according to which GDP is expected at 6.5% with 7.5% inflation.
09.08.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian coke production grows 6% in 7 months
Ukraine increased production of metallurgical coke by 6% year-on-year
to 11.582 million tonnes in the first seven months of 2007, including
1.621 million tonnes in July. But coke production has started to slow
because not enough coking coal is available. The head of Ukrkoks Association,
Anatoly Starovoit said Ukraine was not mining enough coking coal and
the same was happening in Russia, so imports were down as well. Coal
supplies to Ukrainian coking plants could fall 12-15% in August. Ukraine
increased production of 6%-moisture metallurgical coke by 0.3% to 18.914
million tonnes in 2006.
07.08.2007 Source: Ukrkoks

Ukraine uses 25% of Russia's cold-rolled steel quota
Ukrainian steel mills as of August 1 obtained licenses to ship 50,000
tonnes of cold-rolled steel, or 25% of the country's annual quota (from
July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) of 200,000 tonnes of cold-rolled steel
for Russia. As reported, the Ukrainian cabinet has approved the size
of quotas on the supply of Ukrainian cold-rolled steel to Russia by
June 30, 2010, according to a three-year agreement on the regulation
of cold-rolled steel supplies to Russia signed in June.
04.08.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine reduces coal production 5.2% in January-July
Ukraine reduced coal production 5.2% year-on-year in January-July 2007
to 44.08 million tonnes. Coking coal production fell 8.4% to 16.6 million
tonnes and steam coal fell 3.2% to 27.48 million tonnes. Ukraine produced
5.97 million tonnes of coal last month, down 9.8% year-on-year. Production
of coking coal fell 10.2% last month to 2.19 million tonnes, with steam
coal production down 9.7% to 3.78 million tonnes.
01.08.2007 Source: Ukrainian Coal Ministry

Ukrainian inflation at 1.4% in July
Ukrainian inflation was 1.4% in July 2007 compared to 2.2% in June and
5.6% in January-July. The Ukrainian government is forecasting that inflation
will drop to 7.5% in 2007 from 11.6% in 2006.
Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Juli 2007Ukraine approves cold-roled steel quotas to Russia
The Ukrainian cabinet has approved the size of quotas on the supply
of Ukrainian cold-rolled steel to Russia by June 30, 2010, according
to a three-year agreement on the regulation of cold-rolled steel supplies
to Russia signed in June by the Russian Economic Development and Trade
Ministry and the Ukrainian Economy Ministry. According to a cabinet
resolution of July 25, 2007, the 2007 quota is set at 200,000 tonnes,
from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 at 205,000 tonnes, and from
July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 at 210,000 tonnes.
30.07.2007 Source: Interfax

Foreign direct investment could hit USD 5.5 billion in Ukraine in 2008
Ukrainian Ministry of Economy is forecasting that foreign direct investment
will be $5.5 billion in 2008. Improving the country's investment climate
and creating conditions for foreign investment play a special role in
Ukraine's preparations to host the 2012 European Football Championship,
Economics Minister Anatoliy Kinakh said at a ministry meeting on Friday.
A working group on Ukraine's accession to the WTO said at a July meeting
that conditions need to be consolidated to complete WTO accession procedures
in 2007. Foreign direct investment in the Ukrainian economy is expected
at USD 3 - 4 billion in 2007, as in 2006. Foreign direct investment
could grow an average of 50% next year.
27.07.2007

Ukrainian steel market to double by 2012, says expert
The consumption of steel products on the Ukrainian market by 2012 will
be around 15 million tonnes, while in 2006 the market was estimated
at 7-7.5 million tonnes, Sales Director of the Steel and Rolling Division
of Metinvest Holding Ltd., Andriy Parkhomchuk, said in an interview
with the Business newspaper. He said that steel production by 2012 would
reach 50 million tonnes, while in 2006 it was around 40 million tonnes.
"As of now, in the future Ukraine is expected to export more than
the half of its [steel] products," the expert said. Metinvest's
steel division includes Azovstal, Ferriera Valsider, Yenakiyeve, Khartsyzsk
and trading company Leman Commodities.
25.07.2007 Source: Business newspaper

Ukrainian Coal Ministry to raise UAH 800 million for investment
projects in July and August
The Ukrainian Coal Industry Ministry will raise UAH 800 million for
investment projects in July and August to equip new coal faces and to
finance capital construction. "In July and August, the first coal
companies will start to receive money under this credit program. Thus,
we should receive UAH 800 million of bank credits by the end of August,"
Coal Minister Serhiy Tulub said. The program was being considered by
the credit committee of Ukreximbank (Kyiv).
25.07.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine ranks as the world's eighth biggest steelmaker in June
Ukraine ranks the eighth largest of the world's 67 main steel producing
countries in June, although it cut steel production by 0.1% year-over-year
to 3.475 million tonnes. Along with Ukraine, the top ten steelmakers
in June 2007 were China (41.500 million tonnes, a 13.3% rise), Japan
(9.975 million tonnes, a 2.9% rise), the United States (8.300 million
tonnes, a 3.3% decline), Russia (6.139 million tonnes, a 5.2% rise),
South Korea (4.353 million tonnes, a 2.7% rise), Germany (4.096 million
tonnes, a 2.7% rise), India (3.723 million tonnes, a 3.1% rise), Brazil
(2.733 million tonnes, a 14.8% rise), and Italy (2.716 million tonnes,
a 0.1% rise). From January to June, Ukrainian producers smelted 21.334
million tonnes of steel, which was 7.4% up on the same period of 2006.
18.07.2007 Source: The International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI).

Ukrainian iron ore imports jump 56% in H1
Ukrainian steelmakers increased imports of iron ore commodities by 56.4%
year-on-year to 1.44 million tonnes in the first half of 2007. Imports
of sinter shot up 94.8% to 534,500 tonnes, while imports of iron ore
concentrate dipped 0.6% to 615,000 tonnes. Ukraine imported 290,000
tonnes of pellets in the first half of 2007, while it only imported
27,000 tonnes of pellets in the same period last year. Ukraine imported
293,200 tonnes of iron ore commodities in June alone, including 97,000
tonnes of concentrate, 60,300 tonnes of sinter and 135,900 tonnes of
pellets.
18.07.2007 Source: Ukrrudprom

Industrial output in Ukraine in June up 10.4%, over 6 months 11.8%
Industrial output in Ukraine grew by 10.4% year-on-year in June 2007,
whereas in May it grew by 9.9%. As the State Statistics Committee has
reported, an increase in production was seen in all main industrial
sectors, apart from light industry. Production in the mining sector
grew by 3.8% year-on-year, while production in the processing sector
grew by 13.7% year-on-year. In June, cast iron, steel and ferroalloy
production grew by 14.1%, non-ferrous metal output grew by 0.7%, casting
grew by 16.1% and steel processing grew by 27.4%.
16.07.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Ukrainian economy grows 7.9% in H1
The real growth of the Ukrainian economy was 7.9% in the first half
of 2007 compared to the same period last year. The government is forecasting
that economic growth will slow to 6.5% in 2007 from 7.1%, while inflation
will drop to 7.5% from 11.6%. Ukrainian inflation was 4.2% in the first
half of 2007. Ukrainian GDP increased 7.1% in 2006 amid inflation of
11.6%. The Ukrainian government is forecasting that GDP will grow 7.2%
in 2008 and inflation will be 6.8%.
14.07.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine plans to agree cancellation of quotas on carbon rolled steel
exports to USA
The Industry Ministry of Ukraine, jointly with the Economy Ministry,
plan by November 1 to sign an agreement with the United States cancelling
quotas on exports of carbon rolled steel and replacing them with a deal
with Ukrainian suppliers to supply rolled steel at the minimum prices
to the U.S. market.
Ukrainian steel mills in January through June obtained licenses to ship
41,869 tonnes of steel, or 29% of the country's 2007 quota of nearly
142,111 tonnes of rolled steel to the United States.
13.07.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine in talks with Russia to restrict flat rolled steel exports
and rebar exports
The Economy Ministry of Ukraine, jointly with the Industry Ministry,
are in talks with the Russian Ministry for Economic Development and
Trade on self-imposed restrictions of flat rolled steel and rebar exports
to the Russian market. First Deputy Industry Minister Dmytro Kolesnikov
said at a meeting of representatives of mining companies in Dnipropetrovsk
that the signing of the agreement on the restriction of exports to the
Russian market would stop investigation started by Russia. The agreement
foresees restrictions of flat rolled steel supplies to 200,000 tonnes
from July 1, 2007 through July 1, 2008, to 205,000 tonnes from July
1, 2008 through July 1, 2009, and to 210,000 tonnes in a year.
13.07.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian pipe production up 15.5% in H1
Ukrainian pipe companies increased steel pipe production 15.5% year-on-year
to 1.404 million tonnes in the first half of 2007. The output in June
amounted to 228,900 tonnes of pipes. Ukrainian producers increased pipe
output 14.1% to 2.617 million tonnes in 2006.
10.07.2007 Source: Ukrainian Pipe Association Ukrtruboprom

Russian and Ukrainian Associations of Steel Traders developing cooperation
The Russian Union of Metal and Steel Suppliers (formerly the Russian
Association of Steel Traders) and the Ukrainian Association of Metal
Traders are developing cooperation, in particular, in the exchange of
information on their countries' markets, boosting steel trading and
strengthening relations between the two non-commercial organizations.
Ukrainian Association of Steel Traders President Andriy Fedoseyev had
a meeting with Russian Union of Metal and Steel Suppliers in late June
in Moscow. Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders is one of the organizers
of the Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
04.07.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian coke production grows 7.7% in H1
Ukraine increased production of metallurgical coke by 7.7% year-on-year
to 9.97 million tonnes in the first half of 2007, including 1.664 million
tonnes in June. Coke production is growing on the back of stronger demand,
the head of industry association Ukrkoks, Anatoly Starovoit said.
04.07.2007 Source: Ukrkoks

World Bank lowers Ukrainian inflation forecast to 9.7%
The World Bank has lowered its inflation forecast for Ukraine to 9.7%
from 10.9% for 2007. The GDP growth forecast was raised to 6% from 5.5%.
The World Bank has kept its GDP forecast at 5.5% for 2008 and at 5%
for 2009, while it has adjusted its inflation forecast for 2008 to 9.6%
from 9.4% and to 8.3% from 8.2% for 2009. The political crisis in Ukraine
has had almost no influence on the economy.
03.07.2007 Source: Interfax

Juni 2007EBRD pledges to lend almost USD 1 billion annually to Ukraine
The development of Ukraine's economy is creating the conditions to increase
lending from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to almost
$1 billion, according to Terence Brown, an EBRD board director, who is
leading an EBRD delegation visiting Ukraine this week. "We've got
very good impressions [about Ukraine] - these are impressions that the
economy is moving ahead... Our idea is to provide UAH 5 billion in total
annual lending in Ukraine," he told reporters on Thursday evening.
The EBRD is Ukraine's largest financial investor, and by January 2007,
it had investment liabilities worth EUR 2.87 billion under more than 130
projects in Ukraine.
23.06.2007 Source: Interfax

Russia and Ukraine sign steel deal
The Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry and the Ukrainian
Economics Ministry signed an agreement on trade in Ukrainian flat cold-rolled
steel products in Moscow on Thursday, June 21. The three-year agreement
enters into effect on July 1, 2007. The Russian ministry launched a
probe into the imports in July last year in order to establish whether
flat cold-rolled products originating in Ukraine are being dumped and
are inflicting or are threatening to inflict material damage on a sector
of the Russian economy on the basis of complaints by Russian steel producers
Magnitogorsk Iron & Steel Works (MMK), Novolipetsk Steel and Severstal.
The three Russian mills produce all of Russia's flat cold-rolled steel
products. The ministry has said the figures quoted by the complaints
suggested that Ukraine was dumping flat cold-rolled products on the
Russian market. The dumping margin for this form of Ukrainian steel
sold in Russia last year was 26.9% and Russian imports of it soared
149.1% between 2003 and 2005. Ukrainian steel accounted for 90.2% of
all imported flat cold-rolled products in 2005. In accordance with the
new agreement, Ukrainian steel mills would make a voluntary commitment
to limit flat c/r steel shipments to 200,000 tonnes during the first
year. That limit could be relaxed by 2.5% in each of the second and
third years.
22.06.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine iron ore imports jump 47% in January-May
Ukrainian steelmakers increased imports of iron ore commodities by 47%
year-on-year to 1.116 million tonnes in the first five months of 2007.
Imports sinter doubled to 474,200 tonnes and imports of pellets shot
up to 124,100 tonnes from 4,000 tonnes in the same period of 2006, while
imports of iron ore concentrate dipped 1% to 518,000 tonnes. Ukraine
imported 183,100 tonnes of iron ore commodities in May alone, including
98,000 tonnes of concentrate, 60,100 tonnes of sinter and 25,000 tonnes
of pellets. The Ukrrudprom official criticized the increase in iron
ore imports. Domestic mining companies increased production of iron
ore commodities, but have been forced to increase inventories due to
a drop in domestic demand.
20.06.2007 Source: Ukrrudprom

EU expands quotas for metal exports from Ukraine by 31.4%
The European Union has expanded quotas for the supply of Ukrainian-produced
metalware to the EU countries by 31.4% in 2007 from 1.005 million tonnes
to 1.32 million tonnes. A corresponding agreement on trade in certain
types of steel was signed by Ukrainian Economy Minister Anatoliy Kinakh,
European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood
Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter
Steinmeier.
16.06.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine's GDP up 7.9% in January-May
Ukraine's real GDP growth in January-May was 7.9% year-on-year. Ukraine's
real GDP growth from January to April was the same 7.9%.
15.06.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Ukraine might re-impose antidumping duty on Russian steel rope
Ukraine in August might again decide to impose antidumping duties on
imports of steel rope from Russia, First Deputy Industry Minister Dmytro
Kolesnikov said on Wednesday. He said Ukraine now imports steel rope
from Russia and China, but he did not say there were plans to impose
curbs against imports from China. Ukraine last year imposed temporary
duties on steel rope imports from Russia that were later lifted.
15.06.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine's Ministry of Economy forecasts GDP growth at 7.5% in H1
The Ukrainian economy grew an estimated 7.6%-7.8% in January-May 2007
and is expected to grow 7.5% in the first half of 2007. Industrial output
is expected to grow 7%-8% in May 2007 and around 8% in June.
Product exports are expected to grow 24%-25% in the first half amid
a 22%-23% growth in imports. The trade deficit for goods and services
is expected to be around USD 1 billion.
08.06.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine increases pipe production 20% in 5 months
Ukraine increased production of ferrous metal pipes by 20.2% year-on-year
to 1.176 million tonnes in the first five months of 2007, including
249,800 tonnes in May, tentative figures show. A spokesman for one of
Ukraine's biggest pipe merchants, Trubokomplekt, said pipe plants have
been increasing prices for their products constantly since the beginning
of the year due to the higher cost of skelp and pipe billets. "The
upward trend in pipe prices continues," he said, voicing concerns
about the continued increase in prices for metal products in general
and pipes in particular, as the Ukrainian market is not ready for such
price levels.
08.06.2007 Source: Ukrainian Tube Association Ukrtruboprom

Ukrainian coke production grows 8% in 5 mths
Ukraine increased production of 6%-moisture metallurgical coke by 8.1%
year-on-year to 8.292 million tonnes in the first five months of 2007,
including 1.712 million tonnes in May, according to preliminary figures.
Coke production is growing on the back of stronger demand, the head
of industry association Ukrkoks, Anatoly Starovoit told Interfax. Plants
have sufficient raw material thanks to mining of coking coal in Ukraine,
as well as imports from Russia. Ukraine increased production of 6%-moisture
metallurgical coke by 0.3% to 18.914 million tonnes in 2006.
05.06.2007 Source: Ukrkoks

Ukraine uses 70% of EU rolled steel quota over 5 months
Ukrainian steel mills in January through May obtained licenses to ship
695,485 tonnes of rolled steel, or 69.24% of the country's 2007 quota
of nearly 1.005 million tonnes of rolled steel for the European Union.
05.06.2007 Source: Ukrainian Ministry of Economy

Ukraine uses 16% of annual quota for steel plate supplies to US
over 5 months
Ukrainian metallurgical companies received licenses for the supply of
23,146 tonnes of cut-to-length carbon steel plate to the United States
in January through May 2007, which was 16% of this year's annual quota
of 142,111 tonnes.
05.06.2007 Source: Ukrainian Ministry of Economy

New export duties on scrap ferrous metal to come into force on Ukraine's
joining WTO
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has changed the date that
new export duty rates on ferrous scrap metal come into force. The bill
on introducing changes to the law on export duty for ferrous scrap metal,
necessary for Ukraine's joining the WTO, was backed by 325 out of 430
lawmakers registered in the session hall on Thursday. According to the
bill, the law on export duty for ferrous scrap metal will come into
force in the year Ukraine joins the WTO. Earlier, the law was set to
come into force one year after Ukraine joins the WTO.
02.06.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian demand for flat products grows 14 - 36% in 4 mths
Consumption of cold-rolled flat steel products in Ukraine rose 14% year-on-year
in the first four months of 2007, to 157,400 tonnes, while consumption
of hot-rolled flat products jumped 36% to 1.03 million tonnes, including
27% to 471,600 tonnes of strip, Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders
president Andrei Fedoseyev said, citing preliminary figures. Imports
of cold-rolled flat products rose 23% to 28,800 tonnes, while imports
of hot-rolled flat products tripled to 160,000 tonnes, with strip imports
jumping 280% to 57,300 tonnes. Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders
is one of the organizer of the Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
02.06.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian demand for long steel products up 12 - 64% in 4 mths
Ukraine increased consumption of long steel products by 12-64% year-on-year
in the first four months of 2007, depending on the type of product,
Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders President Andriy Fedoseev said,
citing preliminary figures show. Demand in the four months was up 47%
to 83,600 tonnes for channels, 12% to 95,000 tonnes for angles and 64%
to 40,800 tonnes for flange beams. Meanwhile, imports of channels, angles
and flange beams dropped by respectively 42%, 67% and 3% to 1,500 tonnes,
600 tonnes and 3,200 tonnes. Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders
is one of the organizer of the Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
01.06.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian inflation 0.6% in May
Ukrainian inflation was 0.6% in May 2007. Inflation was 1.9% in January
to May 2007, compared to 2.8% in the same period last year. As reported,
in 2006, Ukraine's annual inflation was 11.6%. The government forecasts
that inflation will fall to 7.5% in 2007.
Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

EBRD to allocate EUR 250 million for energy saving projects in Ukraine
in 2007
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is to allocate
at least EUR 250 million to credit energy saving projects in Ukraine
in 2007, including via a credit line for Ukrainian banks worth EUR 100
million, EBRD director for Ukraine Kamen Zahariev said during a press
conference on Tuesday. The EBRD is to credit directly energy saving
projects of Ukraine's large enterprises, medium enterprises will receive
the according credit and consultative support under energy efficiency
program in Ukraine (UKEEP), for which the EBRD opened a credit line
for Ukrainian banks worth EUR 100 million.
29.05.2007 Source: Interfax

Germany continues be largest investor in Ukrainian economy
Germany continues be largest direct investor in the Ukrainian economy,
Foreign Minister Yarseniy Yatseniuk said at a meeting with Michael Glos,
German Federal Minister of Economics and Technology last week. "We're
interested in moving further, preparing and realizing new investment
projects with German capitals and modern technologies," the press
service of the Foreign Ministry said, citing Yatseniuk.
29.05.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine remains eighth biggest steelmaker in the world in April
2007
Ukraine remained the eighth largest of the world's 67 main steel producing
countries in April, having increased steel production by 6.8% year-over-year
to 3.586 million tonnes.
Along with Ukraine, the top ten steelmakers in April 2007 were China
(40.318 million tonnes of steel, a 16.5% rise), Japan (9.740 million
tonnes, a 4.1% rise), the United States (7.950 million tonnes, a 6.6%
decline), Russia (6.128 million tonnes, a 2.8% rise), South Korea (4.299
million tonnes, a 10.9% rise), Germany (4.083 million tonnes, an 0.5%
rise), India (3.685 million tonnes, a 5.7% rise), Italy (2.910 million
tonnes, a 10.4% rise), and Brazil (2.708 million tonnes, a 12.1% rise).
In April, Ukrainian producers decreased steel output by 138,000 tonnes
compared to March 2007. A drop in steel production compared to the previous
month was registered almost in all of the top ten countries, apart from
in China.
21.05.2007 Source: International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI)

Ukraine could up rolled steel output 6% in 2007
Ukraine's steel industry could increase roll production 6% this year
compared with 2006 to 36.33 million tonnes, Serhiy Hryschenko, Vice-President
of Ukrmet, the Ukrainian Steel Industry Association, told Interfax.
Hryschenko said crude steel production was forecast to grow 6% to 43.25
million tonnes and pig iron - 9% to 35.79 million tonnes. Steel pipe
production is expected to rise 7% to 2.81 million tonnes, coke - 5%
to 20.02 million tonnes and hardware - 7% to 463,000 tonnes. Iron ore
production could rise 5% to 76.38 million tonnes, iron ore concentrate
- 5% to 59.74 million tonnes, iron ore pellets - 8% to 22.64 million
tonnes and sinter - 6% to 50.123 million tonnes.
Hryschenko said steel production would rise to meet growing demand,
primarily from the construction industry. Ukraine exports around 80%
of its steel, and prices on external markets are encouraging sales abroad.
Good market trends are bolstering the financial performance of Ukraine's
steel mills. The profit margin in the industry rose to 15.2% in the
first quarter of 2007, from 7.2% a year previously.
15.05.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian lobby opposes raising indicative prices for ferroalloy
exports
The Ukrainian Association of Ferroalloy Producers (UkrFA) thinks it
would be unwise to raise indicative prices for exports of ferroalloys
as this could lead to the loss of foreign markets. The association said
in a press release that it has sent a letter with its views to the Industrial
Policy Ministry. "Such actions will reduce the share of Ukrainian
plants on the European market and lead to the loss of traditional, stable
markets due to the inability to compete in price," the association
said.
15.05.2007 Source: Ukrainian Association of Ferroalloy Producers

Ukraine plans to expand presence in foreign non-ferrous metals markets
The Industry Ministry of Ukraine plans to strengthen its efforts to
satisfy domestic demand for non-ferrous metals and to expand its presence
on foreign markets, according to a strategy for the development of non-ferrous
metallurgy of Ukraine introduced by Deputy Industry Minister Pavlo Shynkarenko
last week at the Ministry. The Ministry's press service said that the
state program on the development and reform of the mining and metallurgic
complex until 2011 foresees the expansion of facilities at the Mykolaiv
Aluminous Plant to 1.6 million tonnes of aluminous per year, and the
organization of aluminum foil production at the Zaporizhia Aluminum
Mill with a capacity of 25,600 tonnes per year. Moreover, the possibility
of building a new aluminum mill with a capacity of at least 100,000
tonnes per year is being examined.
14.05.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine increases pipe output by 21.8% over 4 months
Ukrainian pipe companies in January through April tentatively increased
output of pipe made from ferrous metals by 21.8% year-on-year, to 925,100
tonnes, and in April the companies produced 241,400 tonnes of pipes.
Andriy Fedoseev, President of the Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders,
told the agency that recently the companies increase retail prices of
pipes due to the growth in the price of tube strip and pipe shell. He
said that he is alarmed with a continuing rise in the prices of metal
products as a whole, and the price of pipes in particular. He said that
the Ukrainian market is not ready for another increase in the prices.
Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders is one of the organizer of the
Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
08.05.2007 Source: Interfax

Growth in prices of metal in Ukraine due to building boom and fall
in supplies to domestic market
From January through April 2007 the growth in the price of rolled steel
by UAH 500 to UAH 700 per tonne and a bigger rise in the prices of profiled
steel seen on the Ukrainian steel market was due to a rise construction
work and a fall in supplies of steel to the domestic market by steel
producers, Serhiy Bilichenko, Director of Kyiv-based MD Group Ltd.,
said in an interview with the Business newspaper. MD Group (Metal Distribution
Group) is a modern metal-servicing center and traditional participant
of Metal-Forum of Ukraine.
08.05.2007 Source: Interfax

Industrial output 12.3% in April, 12.5% up over 4 months
Industrial production in Ukraine grew by 12.3% in April 2007 from April
2006. Such a pace of growth made it possible to maintain industrial
production growth in the first four months at 12.5%. The highest growth
was registered in wood processing (36.6%), the production of construction
materials and glass (25.1%), engineering (17.8%), metallurgy (15.2%),
and the food industry (12.4%). Pulp and paper output grew 11.3% in April
and chemical and petrochemical output grew 7%. Ukraine increased industrial
production 6.2% in 2006 compared to 3.1% in 2005.
08.05.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Ukraine uses 60.3% of EU rolled steel quota in first 4 months
Ukrainian steel mills in January through April obtained licenses to
ship 605,528 tonnes of rolled steel, or 60.3% of the country's 2007
quota of nearly 1.005 million tonnes of rolled steel for the European
Union. Steel mills received licenses to export 81,885 tonnes of SA1
category flat roll in coils to the EU, or 53.3% of the quota for this
commodity; 234,209 tonnes of SA2 uncoiled flat roll, or 65.7% of the
quota; and 56,913 tonnes of SA3 flat roll, or 57.2% of the quota. They
were licensed to export 16,381 tonnes of SB1 semi-manufactures and shapes
and sections, or 53.3% of the quota; 83,550 tonnes of SB2 commodities,
or 65.2% of the quota; and 132,589 tonnes of SB3 semi-finished and wire
rods, or 56.2% of the quota.
04.05.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine uses 13% of annual quota for steel plate supplies to US
in first 4 months
Ukrainian metallurgical companies received licenses for the supply of
18,343 tonnes of cut-to-length carbon steel plate to the United States
in January through April 2007, which was 13% of this year's annual quota
of 142,111 tonnes. Under the agreement between Ukraine and the United
States, the quota for 2007 was raised from 138,106 to 142,111 tonnes.
04.05.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine reduces coal production 3% in first 4 months of 2007
Ukraine reduced coal production 2.8% year-on-year in January-April 2007
to 26.059 million tonnes. Coking coal production fell 6.1% to 9.853
million tonnes and steam coal fell 0.6% to 16.207 million tonnes. Ukraine
raised coal production 2.8% in 2006 to 80.257 million tonnes.
04.05.2007 Source: Coal Ministry of Ukraine

Zero inflation in Ukraine in April
Inflation slowed to 0% in Ukraine in April compared to 0.2% in March,
0.6% in February, and 0.5% in January. As for the January-April period,
inflation was 1.3%, compared with 2.3% over the same period of 2006.
04.05.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

April 2007Ukraine ranks 8th in March rating of world's biggest steel producers
Ukraine boosted steel production by 11.5% in March 2007 year-over-year,
to 3.724 million tonnes of steel, and ranked 8th in the International
Iron and Steel Institute's rating of the world's 66 biggest steel producing
countries.
Along with Ukraine, the top ten steel producers in March 2007 were China
(40.157 million tonnes, a 20.4% rise), Japan (10.258 million tonnes,
a 6% rise), the USA (7.8 million tonnes, a 12% decline), Russia (6.249
million tonnes, a 6.4% rise), South Korea (4.348 million tonnes, a 9.4%
rise), India (4.211 million tonnes, a 10.2% rise), Germany (4.174 million
tonnes, a 1.4% rise), Italy (3.008 million tonnes, a 3.7% rise), and
Brazil (2.785 million tonnes, a 12.4% rise).
21.04.2007 Source: International Iron and Steel Institute

Ukrainian GDP grew 8% in Q1
Ukrainian GDP grew 8% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to January-March
2006. GDP growth in the first quarter mainly resulted from a 14.4% increase
in gross VAT in the manufacturing industry, a 14.2% rise in gross VAT
in construction and a 14.1% increase in VAT in retail. Real GDP growth
in Ukraine totaled 8.6% in January-February 2007. Real GDP growth was
7% in 2006 and only 2.7% in 2005.
16.04.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Ukraine sees 12.5% industrial output growth in Q1
Ukraine's industrial output grew by 12.5% in the first quarter of 2007,
compared to the 13.4% registered in the first two months of 2007. In
March 2007 alone, industrial production increased by 10.7% from March
2006, whereas in February 2007 it was 11% and in January 15.8% year-over-year.
Production in timber processing increased 37% in March, in building
materials and glass goods - 27.2%, machine building - 17.4%, metallurgy
- 13.2% and food - 12.7%.
10.04.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Ukrainian coke production grows 7% in Q1
Ukraine increased production of metallurgical coke by 7.1% year-on-year
to 4.894 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2007, including 1.733
million tonnes in March. Demand for coke has grown as production of
metal products is increasing, the head of industry association Ukrkoks,
Anatoliy Starovoit told Interfax. "Demand for coke has now increased
somewhat as prices for metal are rising and construction of metal products
has grown. In general the markets for metal products and coke are forecast
to be fairly high this year," he said.
06.04.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian coal companies to attract investment to extract and utilize
coal gas
Coal state companies of Ukraine will attract investment to extract and
utilize coal gas. The Ministry, jointly with coalmining companies, has
drawn up a number of investment projects that foresee upgrading gas
decontamination systems at coalmines, drilling of over 20 gas decontamination
wells and the building of co-generation facilities with the total capacity
of 140 MW to utilize coal gas at 12 coalmines. The coalmines would conduct
tenders to attract investors and financial institutions to realize these
projects. In 2008-2011, another 16 co-generation complexes with the
total capacity of 410 MW could be built at coalmines to utilize coal
gas.
06.04.2007 Source: press service of the Coal Ministry of Ukraine

Coal output in Ukraine down 3.5% in Q1
Ukraine cut coal production by 3.5%, or 709,500 tonnes year-on-year
in January-March, to 19.51 million tonnes. According to the Coal Ministry,
coking coal extraction dropped by 5.6% or by 433,700 tonnes over the
three months, to 7.263 million tonnes, while power coal extraction fell
by 2.2% or by 275,800 tonnes, to 12.247 million tonnes.
06.04.2007 Source: Interfax

Metal Traders and Construction Association sign agreement on cooperation
The Ukrainian Association of Metal Traders and the Ukrainian Construction
Association have signed an agreement on cooperation. The associations
had agreed to create an expert council drawn from representatives of
the associations, which will analyze draft laws and draft cabinet resolutions
and draw up legal initiatives. The associations will permanently exchange
information on the situation in the construction sphere, metal trading
and in the adjoining sectors to stir up activities, the companies' development
and the development of the domestic market. The organizations also plans
to prepare joint conferences, seminars, roundtables and press conferences.
Ukrainian Association of Metal Trader is one of the organizers of Metal-Forum
of Ukraine.
04.04.2007 Source: press service of the Ukrainian Construction Association

Ukraine uses 48% of EU rolled steel quota in Q1
Ukrainian steel mills in January-March obtained licenses to ship 481,292
tonnes or 47.9% of the country's 2007 quota of nearly 1.005 million
tonnes of rolled steel for the European Union in 2007. Steel mills received
licenses to export 59,005 tonnes of SA1 category flat roll in coils,
or 38.4% of the quota for this commodity; 203,348 tonnes of SA2 uncoiled
flat roll, or 57% of the quota; and 43,079 tonnes of SA3 flat roll,
or 43.3% of the quota.They were licensed to export 12,426 tonnes of
SB1 semi-manufactures and shapes and sections, or 40.4% of the quota;
and 104,874 tonnes of SB3 semi-finished and wire rods, or 44.5% of the
quota. Licenses to supply SB2 commodities were not issued.
04.04.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukraine uses 11.5% of annual quota for steel plate supplies to US
in Q1
Ukrainian metallurgical companies received licenses for the supply of
16,382 tonnes of cut-to-length carbon steel plate to the US in January-
March 2007, which was 11.53% of this year's annual quota of 142,111
tonnes. Under the agreement between Ukraine and the United States, the
quota for 2007 was raised from 138,106 to 142,111 tonnes.
02.04.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukrainian inflation at 0.2% inflation in MarchInflation in Ukraine slowed to 0.2% in March, from 0.6% in February.
Inflation totaled 11.6% in 2006. The government is forecasting that
price growth will slow to 7.5% in 2007.
02.04.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

März 2007Ukraine to attract USD 12B from international financial institutions
by 2012
Ukraine is to strengthen its cooperation with the World Bank, European
Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other international financial
institutions, and expects to attract a total of USD 12 billion by 2012,
Ukraine's Economy Minister Anatoliy Kinakh reported. The minister said
that the major loans would be attracted from the World Bank. If a partnership
strategy with the bank for 2008-2011 is adopted, this sum may be USD
0.8-1 billion annually, while in general, Ukraine plans to attract about
USD 2.5 billion from international financial institutions annually.
The minister said that during the last 14 years, Ukraine has attracted
over USD 12 billion from international financial institutions, 36.2%
of which came from the World Bank.
31.03.2007 Source: Interfax

Coal industry privatization to start in fourth quarter or later
The privatization of Ukrainian coal industry won't start before
the forth quarter of 2007, according to Coal Industry Minister Serhiy
Tulub. "I think that the process will start not earlier than in
the fourth quarter or in the beginning of 2008," he said at a press
conference in Kyiv on March 30.
31.03.2007 Interfax

Yuschenko proposes privatizing coal mines
Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko said he believes that selling off
the country's coal industry enterprises to private owners will help
resolve a number of problems facing the sector. "We have to do
everything possible to ensure that not only the state is interested
in developing the industry. We need to have a lot of partners, including
private organizations," Yuschenko told a meeting with representatives
of the coal industry in Luhansk.
30.03.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine boosts ferrous scrap exports 3.7% in 2 months
Ukraine boosted ferrous metal scrap exports 3.7% year-on-year in January
and February, to 79,600 tonnes. The country exported 35,700 tonnes of
scrap in February, and 43,900 tonnes in January. Scrap supplies to Ukrainian
steel mills were 472,000 tonnes in February, or 74.3% of the demand,
and in January and February 864,000 tonnes (64.2%) were supplied.
19.03.2007 Source: UAVtormet, the Ukrainian Metal Scrap Association

Ukrainian economy grows 7.9% in February
The Ukrainian economy grew 7.9% year-on-year in February 2007 and 8.6%
in January-February 2007.
12.03.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukriane

Industrial production growth slows down to 11% in February
Ukraine's industrial production grew by 11% in February 2007 year-over-year.
As the State Statistics Committee reported, the highest growth rate
in February 2007 from February 2006 was registered in woodworking (50.1%),
the production of construction materials and glassware (24.7%), engineering
(21.7%), metallurgy (19%) and good industry (11.6%.). In January
2007 Ukraine's production output growth stood at 15.8% year-over-year.
08.03.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Ukraine uses 34% of EU steel quota for 2007
Ukrainian steel mills in January and February obtained licenses to ship
to the European Union 343,962 tonnes of rolled steel, or 34.24% of the
country's 2007 EU quota of nearly 1.005 million tonnes.
07.03.2007 Source: Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Ukrainian companies raise prices for refractories, ferroalloys
Ukrainian producers of refractories and ferroalloys hiked their prices
by 10-20% and 17-20%, respectively, in January compared to the previous
month. Due to higher prices for natural gas and electricity, prices
went up 10% for magnesian refractories, 18% for silica refractories
and 20% for aluminosilicate refractories.
01.03.2007 Source: Interfax

Industrial output in Ukraine up 15.8% in January 2007
Industrial output in Ukraine grew 15.8% year-on-year in January 2007.
The leading sectors by growth were machine building at 36.2%, woodworking
at 30.9%, the manufacturing industry at 18.9%, metallurgy at 18.1%
and production of non-energy materials at 17.1%. Industrial production
in 2006 grew 6.2% against 3.1% in 2005.
10.02.2007 Source: State Statistics Committee of Ukraine

Ukraine uses 3% of annual US carbon rolled steel quotas in January
2007
Ukrainian steel mills in January 2007 obtained licenses to ship 4,193
tonnes or 2.95% of the country's 2007 quota of nearly 142,111 tonnes
of rolled steel for the United States. The 2007 quota was increased
from 138,106 tonnes to 142,111 tonnes, according to the agreement between
the two countries.
10.02.2007 Source: Ukrainian Economy Ministry

Ukraine uses 9.4% of EU rolled steel quota in January 2007
Ukrainian steel mills obtained licenses to ship 94,080 tonnes or 9.37%
of the country's 2007 quota of nearly 1.005 million tonnes of rolled
steel for the European Union in 2007. Steel mills received licenses
to export 18,175 tonnes of SA1 category flat roll in coils to the EU,
58,330 tonnes of SA2 uncoiled flat roll, and 8,840 tonnes of SA3 flat
roll. They were licensed to export 810 tonnes of SB1 semi-manufactures
and shapes and sections, and 7,924 tonnes of SB3 semi-finished and wire
rods. Licenses to supply SB2 commodities were not issued.
09.02.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian coke output edges up in January
Ukraine increased production of 6%-moisture coke by 1.5% year-on-year
to 1.615 million tonnes in January. Coke production totaled 1.601 million
tonnes in December 2006. The head of Ukrainian Coke Association Ukrkoks,
Anatoly Starovoit said demand for coke has declined recently due to
decreased use in blast furnaces. As a result, the warehouses of coking
plants are full of coal and coke, which is having a negative impact
on production. It was reported earlier that demand for coke fell sharply
at the beginning of 2006, but sales subsequently normalized following
the revival of the steel market and growth in steel production. Ukraine
produced 18.914 million tonnes of 6%-moisture coke in 2006, 0.3% more
than in 2005.
08.02.2007 Source: Ukrkoks

Ukraine raises ferroalloy output in January 2007
Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant (NZF), Ukraine's biggest ferroalloy producer,
raised ferroalloy production 20.8% year-on-year in January to 89,300
tonnes. The company produced 63,900 tonnes of silicon manganese against
56,100 tonnes in the first month of last year, and 25,400 tonnes of
ferromanganese (16,900 tonnes). The works raised ferroalloy output 10.2%
to 892,900 tonnes in 2006.
Zaporizhia Ferroalloy Works (ZZF) edged ferroalloy production up tentatively
0.5% year-on-year in January to 42,800 tonnes. Production rose 2.7%
to 30,000 tonnes of silicon manganese and 7.3% to 5,900 tonnes of ferrosilicon,
but fell 24.3% to 5,600 tonnes of ferromanganese. ZZF produces all of
the country's medium- and high-carbon ferromanganese and all of its
90%-metallic manganese.
07.02.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine does not find signs of dumping in Russian ore imports
Ukraine's international trade commission completed an antidumping investigation
against imports of iron ore concentrate from Russia without imposing
antidumping measures. Over the period of the investigation (2005), imports
into Ukraine of iron ore concentrate originating from Russia were conducted
not at dumping prices. These imports did not affect the operations of
domestic producers, the commission said in a statement.
07.02.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine reduces coal production 2.1% in January
Ukraine reduced coal production 2.1% year-on-year in January 2007 to
6.285 million tonnes. Coking coal production fell 3.1% to 2.276 million
tonnes and steam coal fell 1.5% to 4.009 million tonnes. The overall
coal production target was overshot by 4.7%, including by 14.9% for
coking coal, however steam coal production fell 0.3% short. Ukraine
raised coal production 2.8% in 2006 to 80.257 million tonnes. Coking
coal production fell 8.2% to 30.145 million tonnes while steam coal
output rose 10.9% to 50.112 million tonnes.
05.02.2007 Source: Ukrainian Coal Ministry

Ukraine boosts steel roll output 13% in January 2007Ukraine's steel industry increased finished roll output 13% year-on-year
in January to 3.052 million tonnes, according to the Ministry of Industrial
Policy of Ukraine. Ukraine produced 3.595 million tonnes of crude
steel, up 11%, and 2.951 million tonnes of pig iron, up 13%
year-on-year. Steel pipe production rose 31% to 201,000 tonnes.
Iron ore concentrate production grew 13% to 4.943 million tonnes, pellet
production - 34% to 1.856 million tonnes, sinter - 5% to 4.239 million
tonnes and crude ore - 10% to 6.285 million tonnes. Ukrainian coke production
rose 1% to 1.613 million tonnes but metalware output fell 2% to 27,000
tonnes.
02.02.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine extends ban on mine bankruptcies to 2010
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has signed a bill on extending
until January 1, 2010 the moratorium on bankruptcies of mines in which
the state holds stakes of at least 25%. Ukraine's parliament on January
18 gave preliminary approval to the bill. Extending the moratorium "will
help implement measures to reform, update and ensure the stable development
of coal mines," according to a memo attached to the bill. A 1992
bankruptcy law introduced the moratorium on bankruptcies of mining companies
and beneficiation plants in which the state owns at least 25% of shares.
The moratorium was originally imposed until January 1, 2004, but then
extended until January 1, 2005 and again until January 1, 2007.
02.02.2007 Source: Interfax

Januar 2007Ukrainian economy grows 7% in 2006Ukraine GDP grew 7% in real terms in 2006, compared with growth
of 2.7% in 2005, according to the State Statistics Committee. The government
forecasts that economic growth will slow to 6.5% in 2007. The World
Bank has confirmed its forecast for Ukraine's GDP in 2007 to reach 4.5%
19.01.2007 Source: Interfax

Industrial output in Ukraine in 2006 up 6.2%Industrial output rose 6.2%, compared with growth of 3.1% in 2005.
In 2006, output grew in all key industrial sectors, apart from coke
and fuel production and light industry. The growth was reached thanks
to external demand for metallurgical and engineering products. Production
in the mining sector grew by 5.8%year-on-year, while production in the
processing sector grew by 6.3% year-on-year. In 2006, cast iron, steel
and ferroalloy production grew by 8.4%, non-ferrous metal out
put grew by 2.6%, casting grew by 3.1% and steel processing
grew by 13.9%. In the engineering sector, significant growth
was seen in car production (36.6%), control equipment production (28%),
and machinery for the metallurgical sector (17.8%).
19.01.2007 Source: Statistics Committe

Industrial growth in 2007 will reach 8%
According to the Economy Ministry, in 2007 the development of engineering
and metallurgy will speed up and the industrial growth will reach 8%.
18.01.2007 Source: UNIAN

EBRD planning to invest EUR 1 B into Ukraine in 2007
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is planning to
raise its investments into Ukraine to EUR 1 billion in 2007, whereas
in 2006 they were EUR 797 million, the representative office of the
bank in Kyiv reported.
17.01.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine to up steel output 5% in 2007
Ukraine aims to increase steel production 5% in 2007 to 42.62 million
tonnes, according to the Ministry of Industrial Policy. Pig iron production
is targeted to grow 7.3% in 2007 to 35.5 million tonnes.

Ukrainian steel industry increased finished roll output 7% in 2006
to 34.5 million tonnes. According to the information of the Industry
Ministry, Ukraine produced 40.9 million tonnes of crude steel, up
6%, and 32.94 million tonnes of pig iron, up 7%. PDF
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Steel pipe production rose 14% in 2006
Ukrainian pipe companies increased production of ferrous metal pipes
by 14.1% to 2.617 million tonnes in 2006, according to Ukrainian Tube
Association Ukrtruboprom. The domestic market uses primarily Ukrainian-made
pipes, said Andriy Fedoseev, President of the Ukrainian Association
of Metal Traders. However, imports have been increasing due to their
better prices and quality, he said. In addition, imports of pipes not
made in Ukraine are also growing.
11.01.2007 Source: Interfax

Iron ore concentrate production grew 7% to 56.68 million tonnes,
pellet production - 20% to 20.87 million tonnes, sinter was a
flat 47.4 million tonnes and crude ore rose 6% to 73 million
tonnes.PDF
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Ukrainian coke production edges up 0.3% in 2006
Ukrainian coke-chemical plants increased production of metallurgical
coke by 0.3% to 18.914 million tonnes in 2006, the head of industry
association Ukrkoks, Anatoly Starovoit, told Interfax, citing preliminary
figures. He said Ukraine would not increase coke production in 2007
due to a possible increase in imports and weaker demand in the steel
industry. It was reported earlier that there was a sharp drop in coke
demand at the beginning of the year, but sales later recovered as the
steel market revived and metal production increased.
11.01.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukraine sets up wholesale coal market
The Ukrainian Coal Industry Ministry is setting up a wholesale market
for coal products, Deputy Coal Minister Yury Zyukov told Interfax on
January 11. The wholesale market is being set up to increase the competitiveness
of coking coal, which is produced by state coal companies, he said.
The wholesale market will be set up based on state coal companies, but
will remain open to private companies. The operator of the wholesale
market will be the state company Coal of Ukraine, which is also the
operator of the wholesale market for energy coal. The founding meeting
of the wholesale market for coal products took place towards the end
of December, Zyukov said. Twenty two state coal companies plan to become
members of the new market, he said.
11.01.2007 Source: Interfax

Ukrainian coal production up 2.8% in 2006
Ukraine raised coal production 2.8% in 2006 to 80.257 million tonnes.
Coking coal production fell 8.2% to 30.145 million tonnes and power
generating coal output rose 10.9% to 50.112 million tonnes. The 2006
coal production target was overshot by 8.4% or 6.236 million tonnes.
11.01.2007 Source: Coal Ministry of Ukraine